DMC Announces New Business Development Manager and Energy and Sustainability Manager

(Rochester, Minn.) February 27, 2024 – Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency (DMC EDA) announced the hiring of Kylle Jordan to the position of Business Development Manager. She previously held the position of Global Principal for Medical Alley Association.

In her role as business development manager, she will expand upon DMC’s business attraction and recruitment strategies to bring new businesses to Rochester. She will report to DMC EDA’s Senior Director of Economic Development Michael Flynn.

“Kylle’s extensive experience working with life science and MedTech companies from around the world, as well as her tenure working within the Minnesota life science and MedTech ecosystems makes her the perfect fit for Destination Medical Center, and our aggressive program of work,” said Flynn.

At Medical Alley, she helped to attract over 30 internationally based life science companies to Minnesota, as well as building key stakeholder relationships to promote the Minnesota ecosystem for life science investment. Prior to that she worked for Greater MSP as their director of business investment.

Throughout her 15-year career in economic development, Kylle was focused on investment recruitment, industry marketing, and awareness building, all areas that fit closely in the DMC EDA business development program of work. She also has extensive experience working with MedTech companies evaluating Minnesota for investment opportunities.

Kylle started her new position on February 26. She has a bachelor’s degree in international relations and French from St. Cloud State University and a master’s degree in global finance, trade, economic integration from the Josef Korbel School of International Studies at the University of Denver.

DMC EDA also announced the hiring of Lauren Jensen to the position of Energy and Sustainability Manager. She previously held the position of Sustainability Coordinator for the City of Rochester.

As Energy and Sustainability Manager, she will lead DMC’s participation in the Downtown District Energy system development, community electrification campaign, electric vehicle strategy, and other related initiatives. Director of Public Infrastructure and Development Strategy Catherine Malmberg will be overseeing this position.

“We are thrilled to welcome Lauren Jensen as our new energy and sustainability manager. She brings a wealth of experience to our Rochester community alongside fresh ideas that will be invaluable as we continue to work to reduce greenhouse gas emissions and create a more sustainable DMC district. We look forward to the positive impact Lauren will have as she helps chart a greener future for our community,” said Malmberg.

At the City of Rochester, Lauren worked to create a culture of sustainability through environmental, economic, and social equity components while collaborating to build capacity between stakeholders and community partners to develop communities that are truly sustainable for all.

Lauren started her new position on February 26. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Human Resources & Industrial Relations from the University of Minnesota and a Certificate in Social Media Management from Minnesota State Community & Technical College.

DMCC Expresses Support for Downtown Property Support Program

(Rochester, Minn.) February 1, 2024 – At the quarterly Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board of Directors meeting, the board directed DMC EDA staff to develop a program to support capital improvements to downtown properties. Board members discussed the importance of a vibrant historic Mainstreet experience. “The downtown is vital to the growth and success of Rochester,” board member R.T. Rybak said. “Beyond the cultural and historical significance, downtown contributes significantly to the tax base and to the overall health of this community.”

DMC EDA staff will collaborate with the City of Rochester and other stakeholders and return to the board with a recommended approach at the next regular meeting of the DMCC board.

The board also noted the importance of accelerating housing development, noting the current and future unmet needs.  Members discussed strategies such as tax increment financing (TIF) for market-rate housing that has been used in other communities.

“This is a broader community question,” said board member Paul Williams. “I would like to see goals set and be more visible in how we push toward those goals. I applaud the city for setting aside TIF funding for affordable housing.”

In other action, the board officially affirmed DMC as a partnering organization in the Minnesota MedTech 3.0 (MMT3.0) consortium. The purpose of this action was to meaningfully contribute to the MMT3.0 grant application project plan, the goal of which is to be awarded $40-$70 million in U.S. Economic Development Administration funding to grow Minnesota’s global market share in the medical technology industry.

“This is an unprecedented opportunity for Rochester and for Minnesota,” said board member Jim Campbell. “To be able to tap into federal dollars to advance our standing on the world stage is a winning proposition.”

MMT3.0 is a strategy to build a MedTech ecosystem that is even more connected, more strategic, and “smarter” through the incorporation of cutting-edge technologies, such as artificial intelligence, machine learning, and data science. The growth of this ecosystem will attract Smart MedTech businesses from the region and around the world to invest in Minnesota.

Additionally, the board unanimously approved the resolution to submit the DMCC-City Annual Report to the Minnesota Legislature. The statutorily required report includes the DMC development plan, progress on projects in the development plan, actual costs & financing sources for projects completed in the past two years, estimated costs & financing sources for the next two years, as well as debt service schedules for outstanding obligations of the city for debt service issued for projects identified in the plan.

The next regular DMCC Board meeting is set for May 23, 2024 at 9:30. a.m.

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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. For more information, visit dmc.mn.

New Local Black History Traveling Exhibit Launches at City Hall in February

Nationwide, Black History Month will be celebrated in February 2024. This presents a rich opportunity for the Rochester community to honor its local and regional Black history and to celebrate the vibrant and dynamic community that makes up Rochester today.

The City of Rochester in partnership with Olmsted County and Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency (DMC EDA) will kick off the exhibition tour of a new traveling exhibit entitled Still We Rise: Rochester’s Black Legacy on Monday, February 5th, 2024 at 10am. The launch will feature an exhibition opening at the City Hall Rotunda and a brief program including remarks from Mayor Kim Norton and DEI Director Chao Mwatela. Due to space limitations, the launch event is limited to invited members of the community, City and County governance, and the press. The exhibit will be on public view in the City Hall Rotunda after the event from February 5-9 from 8am-5pm.

The Still We Rise: Rochester’s Black Legacy exhibit is a traveling showcase of the key leaders and events that have shaped the local community and its history. First developed through the leadership of Andre Crockett in partnership with the History Center of Olmsted County, the first “Rochester Black History” exhibit is currently installed at the History Center.

The new traveling pop-up exhibition directed by Andre Crockett (Founder and Owner of BarberShop & Social Services and Sports Mentorship Academy), and curated and designed by writer, Nicole Asong Nfonoyim-Hara (Founder of Griot Arts) will be hosted in various community venues and locations to activate dialogue and invite further learning about the city’s own connections to its Black history and a legacy of Black leadership and excellence. This exhibit is the first of its kind in its span of Rochester Black history and its contextualization of this history within the wider state and regional history from the mid-1800s to today.

Media Contacts:

Andre Crockett Sr. | [email protected]

Nicole Asong Nfonoyim-Hara | [email protected]

Destination Medical Center Corporation Maintains Continued Support for LINK Bus Rapid Transit

(Rochester, Minn.) September 28, 2023 – At the quarterly Destination Medical Center Corporation (DMCC) Board of Directors meeting, the board approved $9.3 million in continued support of the LINK Bus Rapid Transit project. LINK is a proposed 2.6-mile bus rapid transit (BRT) route along 2nd Street SW that will connect downtown Rochester, the Mayo Civic Center, and Mayo Clinic campuses.

“This fare-free service is a great example of a public-private collaboration,” stated DMC Vice Chair Kim Norton. “It took the City, County, State, and Federal governments, along with Mayo Clinic and DMC to get us to this point in the design process on a project that will benefit local users, Mayo employees, and visitors to our community.

Construction of LINK BRT is set to begin in 2024 with service beginning in 2026.

Additionally, the board approved $7.2 million in funding for an expansion of the proposed District Energy System (DES). The DES could serve several public and private buildings in the DMC Downtown Waterfront sub-district and would assist the City of Rochester and DMC in meeting energy use and greenhouse gas reduction goals. The federal Inflation Reduction Act includes resources to aid in expanding the DES, requiring additional local funding.

“It’s important for Rochester to take advantage of the opportunity provided by the Inflation Reduction Act,” said DMC board member Brooke Carlson. “Leveraging those funds for a more robust District Energy System will go a long way toward meeting our energy use and greenhouse gas reduction goals.”

The board also approved a $4 million request for design and construction of the proposed Sixth Street Bridge project. In 2022, the City of Rochester was awarded a $19.9 million U.S. Department of Transportation grant to support the project. The new bridge will create a connection of street and trail networks across the Zumbro River.

Furthermore, the DMCC board approved the DMC Economic Development Agency’s (EDA) 2024 workplan and budget. Strategic direction from the board and DMC goals, guiding principles and priorities helped shape the request. It will be presented in October to Rochester City Council for approval.

The next DMCC Board meeting is set for Friday, November 17, 2023 at 9:30. a.m.

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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. For more information, visit dmc.mn.

Destination Medical Center and City of Rochester Present Geothermal Informational Event in Collaboration with Egg Geo, LLC

Rochester, MN – July 17, 2023 – Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency and the City of Rochester are announcing a partnership with Egg Geo, LLC, a leading provider of geothermal solutions, to host an informational event aimed at showcasing the benefits and possibilities of geothermal energy in Rochester. The event, titled “Heat Pumps and Geothermal: Possibilities for Homes, Buildings and Community,” will take place on July 18 at the historic Chateau Theatre.

Geothermal energy is a clean source of power that taps into the Earth to provide heating, cooling, and hot water for residential and commercial buildings. By utilizing this sustainable energy solution, communities like Rochester can reduce their carbon footprint, lower energy costs, and contribute to a greener future.

The informational event will feature experts from Egg Geo, LLC, who will deliver engaging presentations to educate attendees about geothermal technology and its wide-ranging benefits. Participants will gain valuable insights into how geothermal systems work, the potential savings they offer, and their positive impact on the environment.

“We are excited to collaborate with Egg Geo, LLC, in bringing this informational event to the Rochester community,” said Kevin Bright, director of sustainability and housing at Destination Medical Center and City of Rochester. “Geothermal energy has the potential to revolutionize the way we power our buildings, making them more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly. By hosting this event, we aim to raise awareness and promote the adoption of geothermal technology in our region.”

The sessions will feature information for a variety of audiences including home and property owners, building managers, as well as education and workforce training professionals.

“Geothermal energy offers numerous advantages over traditional heating and cooling systems,” said Jay Egg, president of Egg Geo, LLC. “We are pleased to be partnering with Destination Medical Center and the City of Rochester to share our expertise and showcase the immense potential of geothermal technology. This event will empower individuals and businesses with the knowledge they need to make informed decisions about sustainable energy solutions.”

The “Heat Pumps and Geothermal: Possibilities for Homes, Buildings and Community” event is open to the public and welcomes homeowners, building professionals, architects, engineers, and anyone interested in learning more about geothermal energy. Registration is free and can be completed online.

About Destination Medical Center:

Destination Medical Center (DMC) is a unique economic development initiative in Rochester, Minnesota. Established in collaboration with the Mayo Clinic, DMC is focused on positioning Rochester as a premier global medical destination and fostering economic growth in the region.

About Egg Geo, LLC:

Egg Geo, LLC is a leading provider of geothermal energy solutions. With a commitment to sustainability and innovation, Egg Geo specializes in designing, installing, and maintaining geothermal systems for residential, commercial, and industrial applications.

 

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Introducing the Equity Alliance Equity Series

(Rochester, Minn.) July 5, 2023 – Destination Medical Center and the City of Rochester are introducing the Equity Series. The Equity Series will seek to address recent and historical events that have revealed the need for continued work on issues of diversity, equity, and inclusion in Rochester, MN.  The series will be hosted by DMC’s Equitable Development Coordinator Wafa Elkhalifa and the City’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Director Chao Mwatela.

“The series will feature a wide range of speakers and topics,” said Wafa Elkhalifa. “The idea is to equip the Rochester community with best practices and learning opportunities from successful examples of implementing diversity, equity, and inclusion practices in other communities.”

The Equity Alliance Equity Series will be an hour-long, monthly seminar. The purpose will be to introduce diversity, equity, and inclusion best practices, build sustainable DEI community strategies, and strengthen advocacy and allyship within the Rochester community. The series will begin on Wednesday, July 26th at noon using the Zoom platform, and will be held monthly on the fourth Wednesday. The series will be archived for later viewing on the DMC YouTube channel.

“The Equity Series is open to everyone, as all of us impact communities in the everyday decisions that we make,” stated City of Rochester DEI Director Chao Mwatela. “For example, this could include Rochester community and organizational leaders, DEI leaders and practitioners, educators, and policymakers.”

The Equity Series is free to view.

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DMCC Recognizes Work of Downtown Rochester Task Force

(Rochester, Minn.) May 25, 2023 – The Destination Medical Center Corporation Board of Directors recognized the extraordinary work of the Downtown Rochester Task Force at today’s regular meeting. The Task Force conducted several working sessions to identify four main themes to help inform a community-based action plan to address immediate and short-term recommendations to be taken by organizations and businesses that support downtown Rochester.

“While the DMC initiative is about the long-term vision for Rochester, it is important that we don’t lose sight of the immediate needs of our community,” said board member Brooke Carlson. “The City and City Council are committed to helping with the goals identified by the task force to help our downtown businesses.”

The Downtown Rochester Task Force includes members from the City of Rochester, Destination Medical Center, Experience Rochester, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Area Economic Development Agency, Inc., Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, and Rochester Downtown Alliance.

The board also received an update on funding options for the District Energy System Rochester (DESR). With new possibilities available from the Inflation Reduction Act, it may now be possible to build out the system to its initial design while remaining within the original budget set by the Rochester City Council.

“It is heartening to know there is so much federal money for this project. It is a positive for this community and closely supports what the city council has already decided,” said Vice Chair Kim Norton. “It will be good for everyone’s health and everyone’s pocketbook.”

An update on the Main Street Revitalization Grant program was provided by DMC EDA President Dr. Clark Otley. The program provided $3 million in no-cost 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 covered up to 30% of the project costs.

Highlights from the presentation included:

  • Funding was provided to more than 50 projects
  • 24% of awardees were Black, Indigenous, or People of Color
  • 30% of awardees were women-led applicant teams
  • 22 awardees are occupying previously vacant or under-utilized project sites

“We invited a diverse group of entrepreneurs and community members to be a part of the application evaluation process,” stated Dr. Clark Otley. “It gave us great insights into some of the challenges that entrepreneurs in our community face when they are trying to develop businesses.”

Board members also kicked off a discussion on DMC investment priorities in preparation for the 2024 DMC funding request. Strategic direction from the board as well as DMC goals, guiding principles and priorities will help shape the annual request before it is presented to the DMC EDA Board of Directors, DMCC Board, and Rochester City Council for approval.

The DMCC Board will consider the 2024 funding request at its next meeting on September 28, 2023, at 9:30 a.m.

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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. For more information, visit dmc.mn.

DMC Real Estate Development and Investment Summit

Register here!

When: Wednesday, May 31, 2023 | 10:45 a.m. – 2:00 p.m.
Where: Mayo Civic Center – 30 Civic Center Drive SE
What: The Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency Real Estate Development and Investment Summit is an opportunity for real estate and development professionals to learn about investment and development opportunities in Rochester, Minnesota. This event will feature a series of short, informative presentations on:

  • Economics and demographics of Southeast Minnesota
  • Mayo Clinic’s vision for the future and upcoming projects
  • City of Rochester’s priorities and upcoming opportunities
  • DMC and partner organizations discussing tools to support investment and development

After the presentations, participants will have the opportunity to network with other attendees over lunch, and then choose from a set of tours in the afternoon, including:

Heart of the City to Discovery Square

See the newly completed public realm where “Healthcare meets Hospitality” in the Heart of the City, and then walk along the under-construction Discovery Walk to Discovery Square, where you will tour the biomed-tech buildings that have been completed and hear about the entrepreneurial ecosystem under development.

Rochester Housing Market

Learn about the housing needs of the Rochester community and visit a recently completed mixed-income apartment building (Bryk on Broadway, 180 units at 50%, 60%, and 80% AMI rents), as well as other site developments underway in the downtown.

LINK Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) Corridor Tour

Hop on a bus that will take us along the planned BRT route along 2nd Street and learn about the project timeline, schedule, and development opportunities along the route, including the Transit Oriented Development (TOD) Village planned for the western terminus.

Riverfront

Take a walk along the Zumbro River as it passes through downtown and learn about the Rochester community vision captured in small area plans recently completed along the corridor. Get a preview of the City-owned properties that will be the subject of a forthcoming developer RFP.

This is a unique opportunity to learn about the exciting developments and investment opportunities in Rochester, Minnesota, and to connect with like-minded individuals who share a passion for economic growth and development.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Register here!

First Cohort of Community Co-Design Facilitators Graduate

(Rochester, Minn.) May 5, 2023 – Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency and the City of Rochester are thrilled to announce the graduation of the first cohort of Community Co-design Facilitators. At a ceremony at City Hall on May 4, seven Rochester residents were recognized for their time and effort toward the advancement of the co-design process.

Co-design facilitator graduates
Shay Baumbach, Claudia Tabini, Lida Casper, Derrick Fritz, Julie Ruzek, Khadija Ali, and Fatuma Ahmed

“How are we, as a community, going to compete in the future? How can we be more resilient? We will be able to do those things because of co-design,” said Cindy Steinhauser, deputy city administrator. “Community co-design is not just a DMC initiative or a City of Rochester initiative. This is an initiative for government, non-profits, and the private sector as well.”

The seven co-design facilitator graduates are Fatuma Ahmed, Khadija Ali, Shay Baumbach, Lida Casper, Derrick Fritz, Julie Ruzek, and Claudia Tabini.

“I am very excited to be recognized as a co-design facilitator. I look forward to helping include diverse voices in future projects and initiatives,” said newly graduated facilitator Khadija Ali. “I have always been on the co-designer side, but now I will be able to recruit people and facilitate these sessions.”

A second cohort will be launched in the summer of 2023 and a third cohort will be held in late 2023 or early 2024.

The evening also saw the unveiling of a webpage dedicated to co-design in the Rochester area. On the page is information on upcoming leadership and facilitator trainings, as well as access to the Co-Design toolkit and case studies from several successful co-designs. The page can be found at www.rochestercodesign.com. You can learn more about Community Co-design by downloading the Community Co-design Toolkit.

Downtown Rochester Task Force Advances to Next Phase

The Downtown Rochester Task Force is inviting the community to provide feedback on a proposed action plan related to the long-term impacts of the pandemic on downtown Rochester. The development of the action plan, prioritizing short-term recommendations, is a result of community working sessions held earlier this year.

Community members are encouraged to participate in a second round of public working sessions to provide feedback on recommendations included in the action plan. Once feedback is collected, a final plan will be shared with the community in May 2023.

Three working sessions are planned—two in-person and one virtual. All sessions will be facilitated in the same format. Participants are encouraged to attend one session. A draft of the proposed action plan will be shared next week prior to the sessions.
Friday, April 28 at 9 – 10 a.m., Chateau Theatre
Tuesday, May 2 at 6 – 7 p.m., Chateau Theatre
Thursday, May 4 at 12 – 1 p.m., (virtual)

Patrick Seeb, executive director of Destination Medical Center, shares, “We have been intentional to build the action plan together with downtown stakeholders. We are grateful for their input and guidance along this process. The feedback has been instrumental in building the recommendations for the action plan that we will work from moving forward.”

In response to the long-term impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on downtown Rochester, a task force was assembled to build a community-based action plan to address immediate and short-term recommendations to be taken by organizations and businesses that support downtown Rochester.

In February, the Downtown Rochester Task Force invited the community and downtown businesses to participate in public work sessions to share specific challenges they are experiencing related to downtown. Attendees shared concerns and ideas for moving forward during the facilitated discussions.

In March, the Task Force shared initial findings from the working sessions. Feedback was grouped into four major themes. A public survey was conducted to gather responses to the themes. The four major themes are:
– Promotion, Activation, and Programming
– Access to Downtown
– Barriers to Doing Business
– Growing Downtown

The Downtown Rochester Task Force is using an accelerated model in creating an action plan to allow participants to identify concerns and work on solutions quickly. The goal is to present an action plan by May 2023 to guide the Downtown Rochester Task Force moving forward. More information about the Downtown Rochester Task Force can be found on the Destination Medical Center website.

The Downtown Rochester Task Force includes members from the City of Rochester, Destination Medical Center, Experience Rochester, Mayo Clinic, Rochester Area Economic Development Agency, Inc., Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, and Rochester Downtown Alliance.