Plan Revamps Mayo Civic Center & Experience Rochester Operations

Rochester, MN (KROC-AM News) - The Rochester City Council is being presented with a plan to radically change the operations of the Mayo Civic Center and Experience Rochester, which was previously known as the Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau.

City Administrator Steve Rymer has announced he will be recommending the creation of a Convention and Visitor Authority that would be responsible for all of the functions of the two organizations next year. Rymer says he is making the recommendation after concluding the existing model for the operations of the two entities is not financially sustainable.

“It is important for the community to understand that the Mayo Civic Center and Experience Rochester teams work hard and are dedicated to the success of both organizations. This recommendation is not a reflection of their efforts. It is the current system that is not sustainable. If the City Council approves the Authority, the City and Experience Rochester will work closely with employees from both organizations during the coming months as the transition to the new model is implemented.”

The operations of the Mayo Civic Center and Experience Rochester have been under study for several months. Rymer says the boards of both organizations, along with a consultant and the City Administrator's office identified five priorities that are key to the long-term, sustainable success of a new Authority. They include:

• Alignment in Focus
• Accountability
• Clear Goals & Objectives
• Service Delivery
• Deliver Results

Rymer says the transition to the new organization would take 12 to 14 months. The City Council is scheduled to discuss the proposal during a special meeting on November 28th.