By R.V. Baugus

If he will pardon me for invoking a chant by WWE fans after a favorite grappler wins a title, I say to Randy Brown, CVE, “You deserve it! You deserve it!” as he was presented with a Sagamore of the Wabash award on Monday, September 27, as part of Randy Brown Day to honor the contributions of the leader of the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum in Fort Wayne, Indiana and past IAVM Chair as he retires after a brilliant 31-year run as the venue’s general manager.

The award is one of Indiana’s highest and fitting for someone who has always been one of the industry’s true leaders and mentors to so many. The award is a tribute given to someone for distinguished service to the state or governor. Need we say more?

A number of Randy’s IAVM friends arrived from around the country to celebrate the big day and wish him well into the next chapter of his life, which if you read a recent issue of Venue Professional magazine you will know that his classic car Baby will be part of it along with his beautiful family.

The actual retirement day is Friday, October 1, so by the time you read this Fort Wayne’s finest will already be settling in to a new life, although Randy says and we believe he will still be around to help the Coliseum and give back to the community in his inimitable gracious way.

You have been, are, and will always be a friend, Randy. You better stay in touch with IAVM as well because we need you! Congratulations!

By Vanessa Showalter

Allied Universal®, a global security and facility services company, announced the execution of a definitive agreement to acquire New York-based MSA Security (MSA) from GreyLion, a middle market private equity firm focused on investing in leading high-growth businesses. MSA is a provider of comprehensive threat protection solutions to clients nationwide including K9 security services. Terms of the deal were not disclosed.

“The acquisition of MSA Security will not only expand our K9 program on a local and national level but will also increase our security resources around the world,” said Steve Jones, Global Chairman & CEO of Allied Universal. “For more than 30 years, MSA Security has achieved success through its strong customer relationships, expertise and reliable service. This acquisition aligns perfectly with our strategic goals for identifying strong and high performing companies that offer vast services and are continuing to grow.”

Founded in 1987, MSA Security mitigates threats with world-class solutions and unrivaled expertise to protect personnel and property offering peace of mind. With revenue approaching $200 million, MSA leads the security industry in explosive mitigation utilizing nearly 700 Explosive Detection Canine teams deployed around the world. MSA’s full suite of services goes on to include specialized armed and unarmed security operatives, 24/7 strategic threat monitoring, specialized investigations, security training and security consulting.

“MSA Security has experienced incredible growth in the last five years. During our partnership with GreyLion, we nearly quadrupled our revenue,” said Glen Kucera, MSA Security’s CEO. “We are excited to further recognize our full potential by combining with another industry leader and I look forward to partnering with Steve Jones and his team. Becoming part of an organization with the resources, technology focus, and depth of service that Allied Universal offers will allow MSA to expand on its success as the preeminent explosive detection canine business worldwide.”

Vanessa Showalter is PR Manager for IAVM member Allied Universal.

BY StadiumBusiness.com

The NBA Indiana Pacers announced Indianapolis-based digital financial services company Gainbridge as the new naming-rights sponsor of its home arena.

As a result, Bankers Life Fieldhouse, which also serves as the home of the WNBA’s Indiana Fever, will be renamed as Gainbridge Fieldhouse with immediate effect. Gainbridge has signed a multi-year deal with Pacers Sports & Entertainment.

Health insurance firm Bankers Life acquired naming rights to the Fieldhouse in 2011. The deal expired in 2019 but the arena retained its moniker, with PS&E having stated at the time that there was no deadline to replace Bankers Life.

According to reports, Bankers Life’s deal with the Pacers was among the lowest arena naming-rights agreements in the NBA. Financial terms of the team’s deal with Gainbridge were not disclosed.

It is hoped the agreement will provide Gainbridge with the platform to continue expanding its brand. Gainbridge became the presenting sponsor of the showpiece Indianapolis 500 motorsport event in 2019 and has made a number of business and philanthropic investments in Indiana and around the US.

Rick Fuson, president and chief operating officer of PS&E, said: “Just as the Fieldhouse is so much more than simply a basketball arena, the chance to partner with a bold, forward-thinking company like Gainbridge means so much more than just putting a name on a building.

“Our organizations share a vision for engaging new generations of consumers, strengthening our city and state economies, and investing in our community with intentionality. We could not have asked for a better aligned partner, and we look forward to growing together for years to come.”

Dan Towriss, president and chief executive of Gainbridge, added: “We couldn’t be more excited to join the Pacers and Fever at the new Gainbridge Fieldhouse. It really is the ‘Fieldhouse of the Future’, where we’ll be hosting a wide range of exciting sports and entertainment events with new and improved space, infrastructure and technology.

“This unveiling is such a critical moment for us as we join in experiencing this amazing venue with a bold new Gainbridge Fieldhouse brand. This partnership goes farther than just this new venue because together, we can make an even bigger impact with our aligned commitment to improving communities through sports and education.”

In January, the Pacers completed the first phase of renovation work at the arena. The team is in the midst of a three-year renovation project for the venue, with the first phase having been completed with a focus exclusively on the interior.

Join your IAVM Foundation and the IAVM Diversity and Inclusive Leadership Committee at ENCORE 2021, October 5 from 4:00 PM – 5:15 PM CT, to launch this year’s E3 discussions, learn a new cocktail from an industry mixologist, and network during a fundraising reception!

Topic – Lean Circles, Resource Groups or Listening Sessions in Your Workplace: How to Provide Opportunities to Share Thoughts Supporting Diversity, Inclusion and Equality.

Moderator – Eboni Wilson, Vice President, Guest Experience – UBS Arena 

Panelists – Shelley Albanese, General Manager – Visalia Convention Center; Stefanie Tomlin, General Manager – Kings Theater; Joiel Alexander, VP of New Business – Levy

If you are not yet regsitered for ENCORE 2021, what are you waiting for!  CLICK HERE to register now, and be sure to mark your calendars to attend the DILC reception!

iCommit, IAVM’s member referral campaign, began July 1^st. The challenge is designed to increase membership. As of today, 138 new members have been added because you have encouraged your employees, colleagues, interns, part-time staff, and suppliers to join your Association!

The lead recruiters right now are:

• Gilles Bouchard, CEM, Director of Event Management Services – Exhibition Place – Region 2 – 12 new members
• Blake Malcolm – Senior Director, Event Services – Wells Fargo Center – Region 1 – 8 new members
• Kelsey Smith – Manager, Ballpark Operations – T-Mobile Park – Region 4 – 7 new members
• Analisa Terrell, Manager, Sustainability & Administration – George R. Brown Convention Center – Region 6 – 7 new members
• Sam Dores, CVP, Director, Business Operations, Strategy and Development – Extra Mile Arena – Region 6 – 6 new members
• Michale Maxwell – Executive Assistant – Wisconsin Center District – Region 3 – 6 new members

The campaign runs through October 31, 2021. For each new member you refer by the deadline, your name will be entered into a raffle to win one of five, $500 Apple Gift Cards. The more members you refer, the more chances you have to win!

• PrizesThe grand prize will be a complimentary registration to VenueConnect 2022 (value up to $1,000).
• Win one of five, $500 Apple Gift cards – receive one raffle entry for each new member you refer.
• The IAVM Region that adds the most new members will choose one recipient to apply for the CVP designation; we will waive the $125 application fee (the Region Director will choose the recipient within the winning region).

To ensure you are eligible to win one of the prizes, ask your applicant to do the following:

• List your name in the Application Section titled, “Who Recommended IAVM To You/How Did You Hear About IAVM?”
• Enter “iCommit” in the Promotional Code field in the online membership application.
• For new Professional or Allied members only, the $150 one-time initiation fee will be waived*

*Some membership types do not have an initiation fee; the dues will not be discounted.

All winners of the gift cards will be notified in January 2022. Contact membership@iavm.org if you have any questions.