About Twin Cities Gateway
What is TCG?
Twin Cities Gateway is a destination management organization that promotes the cities of Anoka, Arden Hills, Blaine, Coon Rapids, Fridley, Ham Lake, Lino Lakes, Mounds View, New Brighton and Shoreview. We are responsible for promoting meetings and conventions, sports, events, family leisure travel, hotels, restaurants, and attractions 365 days a 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 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 holds a marketing degree from Augsburg College, and has thrived in the ever-evolving realm of tourism marketing, achieving notable recognition along the way. Her accomplishments have garnered her prestigious awards, including Explore Minnesota’s Excellence in Marketing Award in 2018 and Destination Marketing Award in 2020.
Beyond her professional achievements, Lisa’s passion for community and volunteerism led to her being honored as an Honorary Commodore by the Minneapolis Aquatennial Organization in 2019. Lisa is an enthusiastic traveler and loves music, finding inspiration in diverse cultures and rhythms. She also cherishes quality moments with her family at their rural Wisconsin 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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Lori Higgins
Affiliation: At-Large / Metro North Chamber of Commerce
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Sarah Cotton
Affiliation: City of Lino Lakes
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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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Forogh Amini
Affiliation: City of Blaine / Best Western Plus @National Sports Center
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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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Mary M. Tjosvold
Affiliation: City of Fridley / Crooner’s
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John Connolly
Affiliation: City of Arden Hills / Twin Cities North Chamber of Commerce
