To the editor:

Congratulations to Marshall with the news of

the Fairbanks Ice Dogs are using Red Baron Expo and Arena for several months as their training headquarters. I would like to congratulate Mayor (Bob) Byrnes and Marshall for their role in bringing this sports tourism asset to southwest Minnesota. The fact that Marshall kids are on the roster is a testament to the benefits to the families of Marshall while producing an economic tourism benefit for the region at the same time.

Over the past 12 years I have been impressed by the Mayor’s abilities in advocating for Marshall. Assets like Red Baron Expo and Arena play an important role in sports tourism benefiting the Marshall business community.

Also , we can not underestimate the role that these facilities play in supporting women’s and girls sports opportunities.

In my 28 years as head of the Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission where I traveled throughout Minnesota, I have never worked with a more professional and effective Mayor than Mayor Byrnes.

Paul Erickson

Circle Pines

— Paul Erickson is the executive director for the

Minnesota Amateur Sports Commission