The Super Bowl is about to take over Minneapolis. Leaders in the hospitality industry have been planning this for years, beefing up their space and entertainment capacity to prepare for the projected one million attendees who will pour into the Twin Cities on game day and the 10 days preceding it.*
Locals have been hearing about, and living with, the preparations with a mix of anticipation and incredulity since the location was announced. Some residents want a piece of the pie too. Chatter of renting out homes for the week can be heard throughout the north metro. People are willing to pay, and Minneapolis is getting ready for big business.
There’s another industry that is gearing up for the influx of people and potential new business: Human Traffickers.
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Human trafficking has been infiltrating Anoka County for years. The Anoka County Sherriff’s Office has been making serious efforts to educate and combat this issue since 2013 when they started a Human Trafficking Task Force, partnering with other police departments. **
But what does human trafficking look like in our quiet suburbs? Who are the victims and perpetrators? On Wednesday, January 24th, at Rasmussen College in Blaine, Anoka County Sherriff James Stuart will be presenting this important topic to the MetroNorth Chamber’s Working With Women group.
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Although there has been some debate if the expected human trafficking numbers during the Super Bowl are exaggerated, law enforcement confirms outside victims will be brought in by traffickers, and many local girls and women will be abused prior, during, and long after the Super Bowl ends. ***
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Chamber members and non-chamber members are welcome to attend the January Working With Women meeting, free of charge, on Wednesday January 24th 9:15-10:45am at Rasmussen College in Blaine. Questions? Contact the MetroNorth Chamber of Commerce.
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* Andrea Mokros, Vice President of Communications and Events for the Minnesota Super Bowl Committee on WCCO.
** StarTribune
*** KARE 11 News