Month: April 2016

$1.8 billion in infrastructure planned with DMC

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In the next two decades, Rochester leaders will face the largest public infrastructure decisions in the city’s history. In tandem with the Destination Medical Center initiative, about $1.8 billion in infrastructure projects are on the city’s near horizon.

Of the estimated $1.8 billion in infrastructure identified in the DMC Development Plan, about $720 million is targeted to create 16,000 new structure parking spaces; $348 million is envisioned to create a downtown transit circulator; and $112 million is planned for other transit, streets and city loop improvements, according to city documents.

DMCC board welcomes two new members

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In 2015, the Destination Medical Center Corporation board expressed the need for 2016 efforts to focus on three key areas – momentum, metrics, and marketing. Updates provided at the April 18 board meeting clearly indicated all those invested in bringing the DMC vision to life were listening.

Destination Medical Center Corporation Board Discusses Development Process and Energy Planning; Welcomes Two New Members

Press Releases

ROCHESTER, Minn. (April 18, 2016) – At today’s special board meeting, the Destination Medical Center (DMC) Corporation Board of Directors discussed the DMC development process and heard updates from the DMC Economic Development Agency (EDA) and the City of Rochester on development and investment activity within the DMC District, including two DMC priorities — Discovery Square and Heart of the City.

As part of the new DMC development process, the DMC EDA staff has been working with City of Rochester staff and the development community to prepare a developer resource guide. The guide includes tools and resources to assist developers as they consider development opportunities within the DMC District, including information on the project review and approval process and potential funding sources.

KROC: Rochester Launches FIRST Ever Hospitality Accreditation Program

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Rochester is taking “Minnesota Nice” to a whole new level to enhance visitor’s stay in our city.
The Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mayo Clinic, and Destination Medical Center have partnered to develop the Experience Accreditation program focused on hotels, restaurants, retail, and transportation companies, according to a press release from RCVB.
Companies can apply for accreditation on the RCVB website here.

Businesses that are already accredited are: Scheels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hers and Twigs, but according to the press release, several additional hospitality businesses have submitted applications.
“This program will promote high service standards and unmatched hospitality in our city. It is a valuable step forward in making Rochester an even better destination for patients and visitors with positive benefits for Rochester residents,” Brad Jones, executive director of the Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Rochester Launches Hospitality-Industry Accreditation Program

Press Releases

Rochester has launched a new hospitality industry accreditation initiative focused on hotels, restaurants, retail, and transportation companies to enhance the experience of patients, visitors, and community members.

The Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau (RCVB), Mayo Clinic, and Destination Medical Center (DMC) have partnered to develop the Experience Accreditation program, a first of its kind hospitality initiative in the state of Minnesota.  “This accreditation initiative marks an important milestone in recognizing businesses who provide the highest quality customer experience,” said Brad Jones, executive director of the RCVB. “This program will promote high service standards and unmatched hospitality in our city. It is a valuable step forward in making Rochester an even better destination for patients and visitors with positive benefits for Rochester residents,” said Jones.

Businesses awarded accreditation have met standards developed by leaders from local hospitality businesses and organizations, related to customer service, staff development and guest satisfaction.  Specific accreditation requirements differ by business type and can include timely responses to visitor concerns and employee training through the national Certified Tourism AmbassadorTM program.  Additional requirements include restaurants offering menu options to meet the dietary needs for a variety of people and hotels displaying the RCVB’s destination guide video in guest rooms. Businesses awarded Experience Accreditation certificates include Scheels, Posh Boutique, Hers, Twigs Tavern & Grille, and Homewood Suites by Hilton.

Q&A with Francisco’s Cuban Cafe owner, Francisco Corripio

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When Florida native Francisco Corripio started coming to Rochester for medical treatment six years ago, opening a restaurant was the furthest thing from the long-time banker’s mind.

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Francisco Corripio

When Corripio learned that his medical treatment would be more extensive, he and his wife relocated to Rochester permanently. Last year, Corripio, along with members of his family, opened Francisco’s Cuban Café in the First Avenue Food Court on the skyway level of the 100 First Avenue Building in the Heart of the City. For Corripio, the café, which serves everything from fried plantains to Cuban sandwiches, was both a business venture and a personal necessity.