The Bemidji Pioneer has done a nice write up of Gary Johnson, retiring CEO of Paul Bunyan Communications…

All the while, Johnson became one of Bemidji’s most prolific community leaders. As a Rotarian, he led the effort to launch the Lake Bemidji Dragon Boat Festival. As a board member of Greater Bemidji Economic Development, he was instrumental in creating the LaunchPad entrepreneur support center, the 218 Relocate remote worker recruitment effort and the NorthStartUp Pitch Competition for new business ideas.

He also has guided Paul Bunyan’s Communications efforts to create the annual GigaZone Gaming Championship and TechXpo, and the Lumberjack Games.

“Gary is one of the most effective leaders I have ever met,” said Greater Bemidji Executive Director Dave Hengel. “In fact, I would be hard-pressed to find anyone who has had a greater impact on our community than Gary over the past decade.

“He is passionate and cares deeply about Bemidji. He is one of those leaders who people naturally like to follow not only because of his passion and energy but also his humility. He is a true community steward.”