Understanding Your DNA at the Rochester Art Center this Summer

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Genomics and Society: photo courtesy of Science North. This interactive program available at the exhibit invites you to consider different opinions about some of the issues surrounding genomic technologies and how they relate to your life.

Did you know that your entire DNA – or genome – is the same as 99.9 percent of the people around you? It’s that 0.1 percent difference that makes you unique.

Learn more about the human genome at the Rochester Art Center when “Genome: Unlocking Life’s Code” opens on June 23 in Rochester, Minnesota. This unique exhibit originally debuted in 2013 at the Smithsonian Institution National Museum of Natural History in Washington D.C. Since then, it has taken up residence in cities throughout the country as a traveling exhibit.

Five Questions with Shaye Mandle, President of Medical Alley Association

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Shaye Mandle, Medical Alley Association

As president & CEO of The Medical Alley Association (MAA), Shaye Mandle has been instrumental in MAA’s focus on championing and facilitating an environment that enables health technology and care organizations to innovate, succeed, and influence the evolution of healthcare. Under Mandle’s leadership, the association’s vision to elevate Minnesota’s Medical Alley as the global epicenter of health innovation and care is coming to life.

This summer, Mandle and Medical Alley will bring their signature networking and education event, Alley Chats, to Rochester.

Five Questions with Dr. Donald Hensrud, Director of the Mayo Clinic Healthy Living Program

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Dr. Donald Hensrud

The Destination Medical Center (DMC) initiative strives to position Rochester as a global destination for anyone who has a passion for health and wellness, not just those coping with illness and disease. Dr. Donald Hensrud leads the Healthy Living Program within Mayo Clinic’s Dan Abraham Healthy Living Center. With clinical research from Mayo Clinic experts, this comprehensive wellness program enhances mental, physical, and emotional well-being.

We sat down with Dr. Hensrud to learn more about the Healthy Living Program and why he feels making wellness a priority will help us become a stronger community.

Rochester International Airport lands new service from Elite Airlines

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The Rochester International Airport (RST) delivered exciting travel news for the region recently with the announcement of new airline service at RST.

Beginning in July, Elite Airways will operate nonstop flights to two new destinations from RST: Phoenix, Arizona (PHX) and St. Augustine, Florida (UST).

“The Rochester International Airport is a critical asset to the community,” says Destination Medical Center (DMC) Economic Development Agency Executive Director Lisa Clarke. “The launch of this new air service is great news for Rochester and southeastern Minnesota and aligns nicely with the DMC initiative and the growth of the region.”

University of Minnesota Rochester signs on as an anchor tenant in One Discovery Square

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One Discovery Square was designed with collaboration in mind to support the acceleration and translation of the most promising health-related therapies and technologies. Mortenson has announced that the University of Minnesota Rochester (UMR) will be a new tenant in the unique, state-of-the-art facility in Destination Medical Center’s Discovery Square, where doctors and researchers will explore innovative new discoveries and bring them to market – and ultimately to patients – faster.

Bright Ideas: The Summer Sustainability Series

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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

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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

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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

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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.