Month: May 2018

Bright Ideas: The Summer Sustainability Series

Over the past six months, the Destination Medical Center (DMC) monthly sustainability speaker series has generated enthusiasm, sparked new ideas, and inspired attendees to make changes that better the environment and our community.

Kevin Bright

DMC’s Energy and Sustainability Director Kevin Bright is pleased with the response to the series thus far. “Attendance and the email list has been steadily growing organically since December,” he says. “It’s been rewarding to see community members not only get behind these efforts but take an active role in Rochester’s environmental future.”

This summer, the sustainability series will continue with three diverse topics to further the community-wide conversation.

Vyriad’s growth in Rochester is a win for Minnesota

By Lisa Clarke, DMC Economic Development Agency executive director

Lisa Clarke

Recently, biotech startup Vyriad announced it would build out 25,000 square feet of space on the former IBM Campus in northwest Rochester. Vyriad’s decision to grow its business locally demonstrates both investment and confidence in Rochester and Minnesota.

High-potential startups that originate in the Midwest are often encouraged to relocate to the coasts in order to maximize business opportunities, but Vyriad, which is developing genetically-engineered viruses for the treatment of numerous forms of cancer, found it important to remain in Rochester.

Five Questions with Jennifer Woodford, Rochester Area Foundation

Jennifer Woodford

Through philanthropy and community partnerships, Rochester Area Foundation plays a vital role in building and enhancing the quality of life in the greater Rochester area for all who live, work, learn, and play here.

Executive Director Jennifer Woodford brings an extensive background in leadership and nonprofit management to the Rochester Area Foundation (RAF). Woodford’s passion to improve housing affordability for all is also an aim of Destination Medical Center (DMC).

We connected with Woodford to learn more about how she came to work in her role at the Rochester Area Foundation and why she feels partnerships are key to building a stronger community.

Five Questions with John Eischen, Executive Director, Rochester Area Builders

John Eischen

In his role as executive director of the Rochester Area Builders, John Eischen is dedicated to supporting and promoting regional building, construction, and design. He is a Rochester native, an award-winning home brewer (he is the founder of “Golden Child Brewery”), and an advocate for encouraging more young people to pursue the viable and lucrative career opportunities that exist in the building industry.

DMC reached out to Eischen to learn more about the purpose of the Rochester Area Builders and the impact he is already seeing DMC make in Rochester.

IMPACT program encourages creative solutions to healthcare challenges

Presented with an opportunity to help unravel the mystery of the devastating heart disease hypoplastic left heart syndrome (HLHS), Mayo Clinic’s IMPACT program recently attracted more than 130 college students and faculty to Rochester, Minnesota to present their unique solutions to this critical healthcare challenge.

Making an impact on more than medicine

IMPACT (Innovative Minds Partnering to Advance Curative Therapies) is a unique program developed by Mayo Clinic researchers and designed by Dr. Katie Campbell during her graduate studies at Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science. Each year, real-world challenge questions are presented to teams of undergraduate students from 30 different state, community, and private universities and colleges.