Tag: Brad Jones

Mayo Civic Center: Attracting more and bigger

DMC is dedicated to creating first-rate experiences not only for those who live and work in America’s City for Health but also for the 3+ million people who visit Rochester each year.

Since first opening its doors in 1938, the Mayo Civic Center has been attracting conferences, entertainment, and sporting events, balancing the needs of the community with those of visitors and clients. Now, on the heels of a recently completed $84 million convention center expansion and facility renovation, Mayo Civic Center is set to realize the economic benefit in 2018 after 21 months of exceeding booking projections in 2016 and 2017.

“New bookings are up over 30%, mainly because our spectacular new venues are helping us attract more and bigger conventions and meetings,” says Brad Jones, executive director of the Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau, reinforcing the decision to invest public dollars into the space.

Developer and investor interest in Rochester grows

First Avenue Flats Ribbon-Cutting

From groundbreakings to grand openings, Rochester is flourishing as developers and investors from around the world take notice of the opportunity that exists in America’s City for Health.

In the last two weeks alone, First Avenue Flats opened to 75% occupancy; the first building in Discovery Square was introduced; public funding raising efforts have begun for the Ronald McDonald House expansion; and the Mayo Civic Center celebrated its grand opening. Diverse construction projects like these offer the infrastructure needed to support Rochester’s projected growth.

Perception is reality: Enhancing the visitor experience

Rochester residents and visitors are now able to provide feedback on their local hospitality experiences in a one-minute online survey.

Logo-Blue-ExperienceAccreditationThe Experience Dedicated Destination survey is just one facet of the Experience Accreditation program launched in April as a partnership between Mayo Clinic, the Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau, and Destination Medical Center. It’s part of an overall effort to help make Rochester competitive in the worldwide healthcare market and position Rochester as a medical destination.

Getting feedback from visitors and community members on their experience with the program is important, says CVB Executive Director Brad Jones.

KROC: Rochester Launches FIRST Ever Hospitality Accreditation Program

Rochester is taking “Minnesota Nice” to a whole new level to enhance visitor’s stay in our city.
The Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau, Mayo Clinic, and Destination Medical Center have partnered to develop the Experience Accreditation program focused on hotels, restaurants, retail, and transportation companies, according to a press release from RCVB.
Companies can apply for accreditation on the RCVB website here.

Businesses that are already accredited are: Scheels, Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hers and Twigs, but according to the press release, several additional hospitality businesses have submitted applications.
“This program will promote high service standards and unmatched hospitality in our city. It is a valuable step forward in making Rochester an even better destination for patients and visitors with positive benefits for Rochester residents,” Brad Jones, executive director of the Rochester Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Rochester Launches Hospitality-Industry Accreditation Program

Rochester has launched a new hospitality industry accreditation initiative focused on hotels, restaurants, retail, and transportation companies to enhance the experience of patients, visitors, and community members.

The Rochester Convention & Visitors Bureau (RCVB), Mayo Clinic, and Destination Medical Center (DMC) have partnered to develop the Experience Accreditation program, a first of its kind hospitality initiative in the state of Minnesota.  “This accreditation initiative marks an important milestone in recognizing businesses who provide the highest quality customer experience,” said Brad Jones, executive director of the RCVB. “This program will promote high service standards and unmatched hospitality in our city. It is a valuable step forward in making Rochester an even better destination for patients and visitors with positive benefits for Rochester residents,” said Jones.

Businesses awarded accreditation have met standards developed by leaders from local hospitality businesses and organizations, related to customer service, staff development and guest satisfaction.  Specific accreditation requirements differ by business type and can include timely responses to visitor concerns and employee training through the national Certified Tourism AmbassadorTM program.  Additional requirements include restaurants offering menu options to meet the dietary needs for a variety of people and hotels displaying the RCVB’s destination guide video in guest rooms. Businesses awarded Experience Accreditation certificates include Scheels, Posh Boutique, Hers, Twigs Tavern & Grille, and Homewood Suites by Hilton.