What does sustainable tourism mean?
- We’re marketing to all audiences, ensuring a wide variety of people are welcomed to Ely.
- We’re marketing for all seasons, ensuring Ely is visited year-round.
- We’re educating our visitors in two ways:
- Making them aware of the wide variety of recreational and other opportunities available in our area so that when they’re here, they support as much of our local economy as possible.
- Ensuring they know how to respect our National Forest and Wilderness areas, wildlife, history, and environment so generations to come may enjoy our area in the same way.
Ely Area Tourism Marketing Team
Get to know the exceptional marketing team behind the Ely MN Tourism Bureau - a group of down-to-earth professionals who are a driving force behind the region's thriving tourism industry. Their talent lies in a deep understanding of Ely's natural beauty and cultural richness, which they skillfully highlight through compelling campaigns. From crafting engaging social media strategies to leveraging digital initiatives that resonate with travelers, this dedicated team consistently showcases the charm and allure of Ely to the world. Their unwavering commitment to promoting the destination ensures that adventurers, far and wide, are enticed to experience the wonders of Ely's wilderness and local treasures. With their expertise, they continue to elevate the profile of this remarkable destination, making it a must-visit for all nature enthusiasts and cultural explorers alike.
Abby Dare
Abby is thrilled to be part of the Ely Area Tourism Bureau team. With a background spanning roles as a wilderness instructor, staffing director, facilitator, and business owner, she brings a wealth of experience in education, public speaking, and community building. A resident of Ely since 2012, she spends her time exploring the woods, co-owning The Meadows Gallery & Studios, and working to make the world a more welcoming and peaceful place for all.
Whitney Woods
Whitney comes to the Ely Area Tourism Bureau team with a wealth of experience working in arts and cultural organizations throughout Minnesota. With a bachelor’s degree in fine art and a master’s in business, she enjoys using marketing to combine her skills in strategy and creativity. It has been her dream to move her family up to the Ely area, and now as a new resident, she has made that dream a reality. As a parent of two little ones, most of her free time is spent running after them while squeezing in the occasional nature hike or creative project.
Alycia Quinn
Alycia is a collector of stories and believes that writing about lived experiences is important to connecting humanity and inspiring people in their own lives. Having traveled to over 22 countries for various volunteer work, she finds joy in the things that unite us. The outdoors is one of those connections and the Northwoods offers endless opportunities to be inspired. Alycia and her daughter Juniper cherish their adventures through the forests and trails nearby. Together, they create an imaginative world where every path leads to a new and exciting discovery.
Lacey Squier
Lacey Squier moved Ely with her husband Eric and their dog Wendell in 2019, and she has been an outspoken Ely-enthusiast ever since! Her experiences studying interpersonal communication, creative writing, and leadership development combine to prepare her well for work as a professional conversationalist, aka host of the What's Up Ely Podcast. When not behind the microphone, Lacey manages an economic and community development program called Boundary Waters Connect and teaches pie and potica classes at the Ely Folk School.
Brett Ross
An Ely resident since 1998, Brett has raised two children here, been involved with a number of area non-profit organizations, a youth sports coach and mentor, photographer, radio broadcaster and podcaster. He has a passion for trails- mountain biking, Nordic skiing, hiking and trail running- and thrives on giving back to the Ely community that has given so much to him.
Beth Chapman
Beth has a lifetime of entrepreneurial experience and was raised by entrepreneur parents, you could say it is "in her blood". She specializes in finance, strategy, administration, human resources and process improvement. Her educational background is also business focused, from the University of Minnesota. She has lived and worked in Northern Minnesota for her entire lifetime, but regularly enjoys traveling, outdoor adventures, cooking and being with the people and pets she loves.
Chris Ellerbroek
Chris Ellerbroek is owner of Ten80 North, a website design and marketing solutions business based in Ely. Chris grew up in a family resort business, and as such, hospitality and entrepreneurship are in his DNA. For the past 20 years, he has been helping businesses tell their story through marketing. Chris and his family are active in the Ely community, and he is a passionate photographer and content creator, both professionally and as a hobby.
Sarah Vogl
Since 2006, Sarah has worked as a graphic designer, marketer, and content creator in a variety of industries. She’s been visiting the area her whole life, and is proud to now call Ely home. In her spare time, she enjoys gardening, raising chickens, creating art, camping, and exploring the woods with her family and friends. It is her dream job to share our beautiful corner of the planet with people from all over via digital publications, designs, written word, and videos.