Month: August 2018

Opportunity Zones add to Rochester’s economic development toolbox

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A new program added to the tax code by the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act of 2017 provides Rochester, Minnesota with new economic development opportunities.

An “Opportunity Zone” is an economically-distressed community where under certain conditions new investments may be eligible for preferential tax treatment. Areas qualify as Opportunity Zones if they have been nominated for that designation by the state and that nomination has been certified by the Secretary of the U.S. Treasury through his delegation authority to the Internal Revenue Service.

Minnesota Governor Mark Dayton identified the Minnesota Opportunity Zones approved by the federal government. Two of those are in Rochester. A portion of the Opportunity Zones overlaps within the Destination Medical Center (DMC) district in downtown Rochester.

Rochester International Airport debuts “OuRSTory” documentary

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In Rochester, Minnesota there are seemingly endless ways to give back to the community. But Rochester resident Michele Nelson took volunteerism a step further when she and her family opened their home to two families from Mongolia as their infant sons awaited heart surgery at Mayo Clinic.

Nelson works in Delta Global Services at the Rochester International Airport (RST), where she saw firsthand the impact of the Children’s Heart Project, a Samaritan’s Purse initiative in which the group arranges life-saving operations for children from countries lacking the medical expertise or equipment available elsewhere. Now, Nelson and others have become the focus of a new RST-commissioned documentary that chronicles the five-week journey of patients, families, translators, hosts, and medical professionals as they navigate new life-changing experiences.

Five Questions with Sunny Prabhakar, The Commission

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Sunny Prabhakar
Sunny Prabhakar

The Commission is a young professionals organization that aims to make a positive impact on the Rochester community by connecting and engaging young professionals and encouraging them to explore opportunities for collaboration and increase their community involvement.

As cities around the nation vie for workers to replace retiring baby boomers, groups like The Commission can enhance a sense of community and make Rochester the ideal place for millennials – and professionals of all ages – to live, work, and engage.

Founder and President Sankesh “Sunny” Prabhakar has been the driving force behind The Commission since its inception five years ago. We sat down with Sunny to get his take on how young professionals will help shape Rochester’s future.

Introducing: The Assistive Tech Challenge

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The Assistive Tech Challenge is a pitch competition presented by Destination Medical Center’s Discovery Square in collaboration with The Arc Minnesota Southeast Region, and the disABILITY Mayo Clinic Employee Resource Group to facilitate greater independence for individuals with disabilities and the daily challenges they face. The Challenge is also intended to strengthen their ability to live more independently and help reduce the direct support workforce crisis confronting communities in the region and across the United States.

Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., elected as new president and CEO, Mayo Clinic

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Dr. Gianrico Farrugia
Dr. Gianrico Farrugia
ROCHESTER, Minn. — The Mayo Clinic Board of Trustees announced on Friday, Aug. 10, that it has elected Gianrico Farrugia, M.D., (JAN-ree-koh fa-ROO-jah), vice president, Mayo Clinic, and CEO of Mayo Clinic in Florida to succeed John Noseworthy, M.D., as president and CEO, Mayo Clinic. Dr. Noseworthy remains president and CEO, Mayo Clinic, through his retirement at the end of the year. Drs. Noseworthy and Farrugia will work closely together through this period of transition…
Read the full article on the Mayo Clinic News Network.

Five Questions with Dee Sabol, Executive Director of the Diversity Council

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Dee Sabol

Diversity is a key component in building a strong, cohesive community. In fact, the more unique perspectives we invite to be part of our community conversations, the more creative and innovative ideas will result.

Dee Sabol stepped into the role of executive director for the Diversity Council in 2015. She is committed to community engagement, equity, and education as she works toward the Diversity Council’s vision of creating “an inclusive and welcome community in which every individual is respected.”

DMC connected with Sabol to gain more insight into the importance of diversity in building America’s City for Health and why the Destination Medical Center (DMC) initiative was an important factor in her return to the Midwest.

Shared Value Award addresses community health issues

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Mayo Clinic has been identifying and addressing community health issues, such as mental health, immunizations, and obesity, for decades. This year, they’re asking you to get involved.

The Mayo Clinic Shared Value Award was created in 2016 to help solve some of the unique community health needs of Rochester and Olmsted County as well as to encourage collaboration among local groups. Up to $50,000 is given annually to a partnership of three or more organizations who are working together to improve health and vibrancy in Olmsted County. In past years, award winners were chosen solely by Mayo Clinic, but this year’s award will be chosen as part of a community-wide vote.