Month: December 2022

DMC Announces Second Phase of Main Street Grant Funding

Media Contacts
Geno Palazzari, Communications Manager
Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency
Direct: 307-696-9088 | [email protected]

Megan Moeller, Communications and Engagement Coordinator
City of Rochester
Direct: 507-328-2436 | [email protected]

Molly Schmidt, Director of Marketing & Communications
Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc.
Direct: 507-288-0208 | [email protected]

 

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

DMC Announces Second Phase of Main Street Grant Funding

December 21, 2022 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – Destination Medical Center (DMC) Economic Development Agency is pleased to announce the beginning of the second phase of grant funding from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Main Street Economic Revitalization Program. In partnership with Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI), this round of grants will be for two business districts outside of the DMC district – Southeast Crossroads to Bear Creek Park area, and the Northwest Design District & Northgate Area.

The Northwest Design District & Northgate Area comprises an area from 4th Ave NW (east), Highway 52 (west), 2nd St NW (south), and 7th St NW (north).

“The Main Street Economic Revitalization Program funding remains critical to Minnesota’s recovery from COVID-19,” said Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development (DEED) Deputy Commissioner Kevin McKinnon. “These funds – put into the community through local partners like the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency – help create opportunity and energize economic revitalization across Minnesota.”

“These grant dollars are crucial for the businesses affected in these districts in Rochester. We are happy to partner with DMC in administering this grant and serving small businesses who are vital to our economy,” said RAEDI President John Wade.

While downtown Rochester has been severely disrupted by the pandemic, businesses in the surrounding neighborhoods have also experienced significant economic disruption. These neighborhoods tend to be more diverse, include strong BIPOC business ownership, and are highly dependent upon existing commercial establishments in areas that are typically food and service deserts.

Southeast Crossroads to Bear Creek Park area, comprising an area from 3rd Ave SW (east), 17th Ave SE (west), 16th St SE (south), and 9th St SE (north).
Southeast Crossroads to Bear Creek Park area, comprising an area from 3rd Ave SW (east), 17th Ave SE (west), 16th St SE (south), and 9th St SE (north).

DMC EDA and RAEDI seek to strengthen the position of Rochester’s neighborhood-based business centers. Catering to diverse populations, these areas provide unique commercial opportunities to the communities they serve. Walkable and served by transit, these business hubs are key destinations where residents shop, dine, and receive professional services. The typical business building in the two commercial corridors defined in this grant application was built in 1959, highlighting the potential need for capital improvements in these districts.

“The success of the Main Street program in Rochester is a testament to the resiliency of our business community; their desire to thrive and succeed,” said Patrick Seeb, DMC’s executive director. “We will continue to look for other strategic partnerships and opportunities to improve and strengthen Rochester’s economy.”

“I cannot stress enough how important this program has been to Rochester’s continued recovery,” said Rochester Mayor Kim Norton. “And now, through a new partnership, we can share this program with more needed areas in our community”.

The Main Street Grant program kicked off in May 2022. Thus far, the DMC EDA board and the community review team have recommended over $2 million to be distributed to 35 businesses in the downtown core.

All grant awards are subject to final approval from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development.

About the Main Street Grant Program

The Main Street Grant program provides grants for capital improvement projects that result in improvements to any permanent structure or other asset added to a property that adds to its value. The grant awards can cover up to 30% of the project costs with applicants securing other sources of funding to match any funds granted by this program. Funding comes from the Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development’s Main Street Economic Revitalization Program.

For more information on the Main Street Grant program and to apply, visit dmc.mn/ms.

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About Destination Medical Center

Destination Medical Center (DMC) is the largest public-private economic initiative in Minnesota’s history. The 20-year plan to transform Rochester into a global destination for health and wellness will attract developers, investors, startups, and entrepreneurs to live, work, and play in America’s City for Health. Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency is a private non-profit established to provide experience and expertise in developing and marketing on behalf of Destination Medical Center Corporation. For more information, visit dmc.mn.

About Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc.

Incorporated in 1985, Rochester Area Economic Development, Inc. (RAEDI) is a public/private partnership for economic development that serves Olmsted, Dodge, Wabasha, and Fillmore Counties. Our mission is lead and support economic, community, and workforce development initiatives that retain, grow and diversify the greater Rochester area economy. Some of the services provided include financial packaging, business planning, site/location support, and business/community advocacy. For more information, visit www.raedi.com.

About Minnesota Department of Employment and Economic Development
DEED is the state’s principal economic development agency, promoting business recruitment, expansion and retention, workforce development, international trade, and community development. For more details about the agency and its services, visit the DEED website.

DMC EDA Announces Appointment of New Board Members

December 14, 2022 – ROCHESTER, MINN. – Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency is announcing the appointment of two new board members. Roberta (Bobbie) Dressen, president and CEO of the Medical Alley Association, and Dennis Dahlen, CFO of Mayo Clinic, will begin their 3-year terms on January 1, 2023. They will be replacing Harry Hoffman and Jerry Bell, who will be stepping down at the end of this year.

“We are delighted to welcome Bobbie Dressen and Dennis Dahlen to the DMC EDA board,” said Dr. Clark Otley, president of DMC EDA. “With their incredible accomplishments and breadth of experience, Bobbie and Dennis will be excellent contributors to the success of the Destination Medical Center initiative.”

Roberta (Bobbie) Dressen - DMC EDA Board of Directors Appointee
Roberta Dressen

Roberta (Bobbie) Dressen has been with the Medical Alley Association since 2021. Prior to that, she held leadership roles with Allina Health Systems, UnitedHealth Group, Boston Scientific, and Medtronic. Ms. Dressen holds an M.B.A. from the University of St. Thomas.

“As the DMC continues to make huge strides in positioning our region as the epicenter of health innovation and care, it’s an honor to be named to the board to help support our shared objectives,” said Dressen. “In addition to my role at Medical Alley, I feel my background in representing various sectors within health care will contribute to building a global destination for the industry and bring more prosperity to the state.”

Dennis E. Dahlen - DMC EDA Board of Directors Appointee
Dennis E. Dahlen

Dennis Dahlen serves as chief financial officer of Mayo Clinic. Before joining Mayo Clinic in 2017, Mr. Dahlen held the same position at Banner Health, an integrated healthcare delivery system in Phoenix, after serving in several other executive positions with Banner since 1999. Mr. Dahlen earned an M.B.A. in finance from Minnesota State University, Moorhead.

“It is an honor to join the DMC EDA at a time when Mayo Clinic is investing in transforming health care,” says Dahlen. “When I came to Mayo in 2017, I was struck by the teamwork and collaboration at Mayo but also the collaboration and thoughtful approach being taken by DMC to secure Rochester, Minnesota as a premier destination for health and wellness now and in the future. We are collectively committing to delivering an unmatched experience for patients, visitors, and residents and that commitment will continue to enhance Rochester’s position as a destination medical center.”

Dressen and Dahlen will be joining current DMC EDA board members Traci Downs, chair of Collider Foundation; Tom Fisher, Director, Minnesota Design Center & Dayton-Hudson Chair in Urban Design, University of Minnesota; Joselyn Raymundo, Founder/President, Rochester Home Infusion; Patrick Seeb, Executive Director, DMC EDA; Mary Jo Williamson, Chief Administrative Officer, Mayo Clinic Collaborative Services; and DMC EDA President Dr. Clark Otley, Chief Medical Officer, Mayo Clinic Platform; Medical Director, Department of Business Development; Consultant, Department of Dermatology, Division of Dermatologic Surgery; Professor of Dermatology, Mayo Clinic College of Medicine and Science; and President, Mayo Foundation for Medical Education and Research

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About DMC

Destination Medical Center (DMC) is the largest public-private economic initiative in Minnesota’s history. The 20-year plan to transform Rochester into a global destination for health and wellness will attract developers, investors, startups, and entrepreneurs to live, work, and play in America’s City for Health. Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency is a private non-profit established to provide experience and expertise in developing and marketing on behalf of Destination Medical Center Corporation. For more information, visit dmc.mn.

 

About Medical Alley Association

Medical Alley is The Global Epicenter of Health Innovation and Care®, where healthcare leaders call home. In Medical Alley, you will find the world’s leading health technology innovation cluster, the highest ranked hospital, and the globally recognized Destination Medical Center. Medical Alley is also home to the nation’s largest private health insurer and more than 1,000 healthcare companies, employing more than 500,000 Minnesotans and millions more worldwide.

 

About Mayo Clinic

Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization committed to innovation in clinical practice, education and research, and providing compassion, expertise and answers to everyone who needs healing.

Final schedule for the FIFA World Cup™ Viewing Party in downtown Rochester

A 19-foot LED screen in Peace Plaza will broadcast eight games of the FIFA World Cup Qatar 2022™ from December 9 to December 18.
In collaboration with Destination Medical Center and Mayo Clinic, the Rochester Downtown Alliance will host a World Cup Viewing Party and broadcast the following games in Peace Plaza:

Schedule of games

December 9, 2022
9 a.m. CST: Quarterfinals
1 p.m. CST: Quarterfinals

December 10, 2022
9 a.m. CST: Quarterfinals
1 p.m. CST: Quarterfinals

December 13, 2022
1 p.m. CST: Semifinals

December 14, 2022
1 p.m. CST: Semifinals

December 17, 2022
1 p.m. CST: Third place

December 18, 2022
1 p.m. CST: Finals

Because the World Cup Viewing Party is outdoors in winter, the RDA encourages people attending the free event to come dressed for the weather and to bring their own chairs to enjoy the games. Between games, attendees are encouraged to visit downtown’s shops, restaurants, and service businesses.
Parking is free within the first hour and on weekends in downtown ramps.

Learn more about this event at DowntownRochesterMN.com/WorldCupViewing.