About Twin Cities Gateway
What is TCG?
Discover the vibrant communities north of Minneapolis and St. Paul. Twin Cities Gateway connects you to the best of Anoka, Arden Hills, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Mounds View, New Brighton, Ramsey, and Shoreview. We’re your year-round resource for planning everything from meetings and conventions to sports tournaments and family fun. Let us help you find top hotels, exciting restaurants, and unforgettable attractions any day of the year!
Our Mission
Inspire visitors to discover the vibrant Twin Cities Gateway communities to enhance economic growth and vitality.
Our Vision
A premier destination, hosting events that showcase a blend of sports, culture and nature in our Gateway Communities.
Our Core Values
Respect, Integrity, Collaboration, Hospitality, FUN!
Social Inclusion Statement
Promote belonging and opportunities through our leadership, initiatives and practices.
Our Staff
We are small but we are mighty. Our staff plays a vital role in promoting, managing, and developing our communities to maximize their appeal and ensure a positive experience for visitors.
Al Stauffacher – President/CEO
Al Stauffacher holds a sports marketing degree from Metropolitan State University and has been a leader in the sports tourism market for decades achieving notable awards and recognition along the way. He took over as Executive Director for the Twin Cities Gateway in 2021. Prior to that he was hired on as the Sports Marketing Director in 2016 and was the chairman of the board from the inception year of 2010. His accomplishments have garnered him the SDM Sports Economic Impact Tourism Awards in 2019 and 2020 along with the SportsETA Rise Up award in 2021. Al is currently the President of the Minnesota Sports Alliance and serves as Vice Chair on the Board of Directors for the Minnesota Association of Convention and Visitors Bureau.
Beyond his professional successes, Al loves to spend time with his family and travel. Al is an enthusiastic sports fanatic playing broomball, softball and golf. He is the Governor of the American Broomball Alliance and a member of their Hall of Fame.
Lisa Peterson – Marketing Director
Lisa Peterson earned her marketing degree from Augsburg College and has since worked successfully in tourism marketing. She received the Explore Minnesota Excellence in Marketing Award (2018) and Destination Marketing Award (2020). Committed to her community, Lisa was also named an Honorary Commodore by the Minneapolis Aquatennial Organization (2019) for her volunteer efforts. Her interests include travel, music, and family time at their cabin.
TCG Executive Committee
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Pete Turok – Chair
Affiliation: Anoka Chamber
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Jerry Koch – Vice Chair
Affiliation: City of Coon Rapids
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Jennifer Fink – Secretary
Affiliation: City of New Brighton
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Gary Meehlhause – Treasurer
Affiliation: City of Mounds View
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Chris Mickman
Affiliation: City of Ham Lake
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Faheem Amini
Affiliation: City of Coon Rapids / Holiday Inn Express
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Rebecca Dale
Affiliation: City of Shoreview / Hilton Garden Inn
TCG Board of Directors
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Wally Wysopal
Affiliation: City of Fridley
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Terra Flemming
Affiliation: City of Blaine
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Kelli Goodrich
Affiliation: National Sports Center
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Lori Higgins
Affiliation: At-Large / Metro North Chamber of Commerce
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Andrea Turner
Affiliation: City of Lino Lakes
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Ryan Heineman
Affiliation: City of Ramsey
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Scott Grell
Affiliation: Hampton Inn
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David Grant
Affiliation: City of Arden Hills
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Jeff Weaver
Affiliation: City of Anoka
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Eric Olson
Affiliation: Speed Pro Imaging
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Renee Eisenbeisz
Affiliation: City of Shoreview
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Matt Stemwedel
Affiliation: City of Coon Rapids
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Bill Godbe
Affiliation: City of Fridley / Crooner’s
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John Connolly
Affiliation: City of Arden Hills / Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce
