Tag: Lisa Clarke

What Rochester can learn from the development boom in downtown Minneapolis

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The success of Minneapolis in creating a new vibrancy in its downtown urban core didn’t happen because of one or two development projects – or because of a single event like hosting the Super Bowl. Rather, it was the result of many diverse and civic-minded players working to stitch together a puzzle of very different ideas and interests to create a shared vision of renewal.

That was a key takeaway from the third annual “best practices” tour of Minneapolis’s city center on August 30 by a cross-section of Rochester civic and business leaders.

As in previous years, the 2018 tour was organized by the Destination Medical Center Economic Development Agency (DMC EDA) and curated by University of Minnesota urban design researcher Tim Griffin.

Hubsource: Connecting jobs, resources, and people to southeast Minnesota

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With Destination Medical Center at the core of driving business, new development, and growth in Rochester and the region, employers are on the hunt for talent.

Now, your go-to resource for all things workforce is only a click away. Hubsource, an online tool developed by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce, connects job seekers with openings in southeast Minnesota and provides a convenient way for local businesses to reach national talent. It is free for Rochester Chamber members and offers a hassle-free way for individuals to find real, relevant jobs throughout the region.

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.”

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.

DMC ignites growth

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Lisa Clarke

By Lisa Clarke, DMC Economic Development Agency executive director

Recently, I had a day when I was stopped several times by people who wanted to talk with me about how excited they are about DMC and its potential.

I spoke with a baby boomer couple who moved downtown and are amazed at the progress.

I talked with a team of sisters who are small business owners – they have lived through 15 years of changes in Rochester’s downtown and are confident about their business’ future success.

I visited with an entrepreneur who moved here because of what she heard about DMC activity.

I heard from a physician at Mayo who is looking forward to hiring a new doctor in his department who wants to live downtown and feels there are good job opportunities for his spouse.

I talked with a Mayo Clinic patient who heard about DMC and wants to talk to me about investing in Rochester for retail development.

All of these conversations about how DMC is impacting our community happened in just one day.

Media Release: DMC proves economic development model is working

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Destination Medical Center proves the Economic Development Model is working as board members applaud efforts

Rochester, Minn. (March 22, 2018) – The impact of Destination Medical Center (DMC) is being felt throughout the southeast Minnesota region, and DMC Corporation (DMCC) board members recognized considerable progress toward several private developments and previewed some proposed projects that continue to showcase Rochester as a prime market for investors, developers and entrepreneurs.

Construction begins on 2nd Street Alatus project

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Across the Destination Medical Center (DMC) District, a variety of development projects are underway, lending to an endlessly changing Rochester skyline. Now, with financing and approvals in place, construction of a new apartment community is underway at the intersection of 2nd Street SW and 14th Avenue SW in the St. Marys Place sub-district.

Alatus LLC, a Minneapolis-based company, will develop the $125 million mixed-use building on 2.77 acres across from Mayo Clinic’s St. Marys Hospital campus where The Brentwood (formerly The Blondell) and Ray-Mar Motel once stood.

The yet-to-be-named 13-story tower, with its 310 apartments and 37 townhomes, will be home to nearly 350 families in the historic Folwell neighborhood. The ground level of the building will include vibrant, pedestrian-friendly spaces including restaurants and retail, with office space and additional retail planned for the second floor. Amenities include a rooftop pool and indoor sauna, outdoor kitchen and grilling stations, fire pits, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a year-round dog spa. The site will also add additional parking to the sub-district.

Passenger numbers soar at Rochester International Airport

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2017 was a big year for the Rochester International Airport (RST), which saw a 27% increase in passengers over 2016.

Why the significant year-over-year increase?

In 2017, RST introduced several new flight options. United Airlines added new service to Chicago O’Hare, Delta increased frequency on routes to Atlanta and Minneapolis, and American Airlines continued to offer daily flights to Chicago O’Hare as well.

State Legislative Leaders Applaud DMC

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Lisa Clarke

A Message from DMC EDA Executive Director Lisa Clarke:

Destination Medical Center (DMC) was a topic at a recent 2018 State legislative preview hosted by the Rochester Area Chamber of Commerce. In attendance were Republican and Democratic leaders from the House and Senate, including Speaker of the House Kurt Daudt, House Minority Representative Rick Hansen, Deputy Senate Majority Leader Jeremy Miller, and Assistant Senate Minority Leader Susan Kent.

As part of the discussion, the leaders were asked for their thoughts on DMC. There is strong support. All legislators agreed DMC is a model for economic development and job growth for communities throughout Minnesota.