(Editor’s Note: please click on the link at the bottom of the story to view a powerful video about Mylissa Smith)

By R.V. Baugus

The pictures and images are difficult to stomach when we watch them on television. Elderly and sick people are isolated in a room while loved ones are unable to visit. There is a peek through a window, a hand-held sign, something — anything — to symbolically touch a loved one when it is impossible to physically touch.

Wes Smith is the Director of Safety and Security at the Charleston (WV) Coliseum and Convention Center. He lost his beautiful wife of more than 30 years, Mylissa, from COVID-19 back on October 3 of last year.

“She was in the hospital for four weeks fighting this disease (COVID-19) without any face-to-face contact and no opportunity for a family member to advocate for their loved one,” said long-time IAVM member John Robertson, who before retiring worked with Wes at the venue. “It probably happened to many but hits home when it is one of our own.”

Now, the state legislature is proposing House Bill 2368 “Mylissa Smith’s Law” to require hospitals to allow a family member in to see a patient, even during a pandemic. It has passed the West Virginia House Judiciary Committee unanimously and goes to the floor soon. The law is named in honor of Mylissa Smith, who worked tirelessly and was dedicated to service as a Kanawha County hospice nurse. Mylissa is among four West Virginia nurses to die from COVID-19. The onset of her illness occurred while she was doing what she loved — taking care of the elderly and those not able to receive loved ones.

Local Eyewitness News produced a very powerful, moving YouTube video about Mylissa that we strongly encourage you to view by clicking here.

By Sarah McAlister

After a national search, the Raleigh (NC) Convention and Performing Arts Complex announced the promotion of
department veteran Michelle Bradley to the position of assistant general manager, where she will oversee the overall and day-to-day operations of the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts (DECPA) in downtown
Raleigh. With more than 20 years’ experience at DECPA, Bradley brings with her an extensive knowledge of the venue, a firsthand understanding of its operations and business goals, and a portfolio of well-developed
relationships with promoters, industry professionals, local organizations and the venue’s resident companies. Bradley began her new position on March 13.

“Michelle has been a passionate driver for expanding the role of the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in our community,” said Kerry Painter, CEM, CVP, CVE, director/general manager, Raleigh Convention and Performing Arts Complex. “She continues to champion the arts as a way to build bridges and has improved access to the venues, advocated for events that meet the cultural interests of our community and developed partnerships to welcome a new wave of patrons to the theater. I cannot think of a better person to lead our fantastic performing arts center out of this pandemic and into a busy, vibrant future.”

Bradley, who began her City of Raleigh career in 1998 as a receptionist, eventually went on to hold the Director of Marketing position for a decade before being promoted to Theatre Manager in 2019. In her roles, Bradley has brought success to the DEPCA, including an overhaul of the center’s safety and security measures and impressive annual ticket sales of $11.5 million.

In March 2020, she quickly stepped in as the venue’s interim assistant general manager, not knowing that a pandemic was on the horizon. On leadership during a global health crisis, Bradley credits an attitude of resiliency and adaptability: “Embrace the moment when it is presented. Every challenge is an opportunity to learn and do better.”

Most recently, Bradley has developed a partnership with the African American Cultural Festival, resulting in the production of the City of Raleigh’s inaugural Kwanzaa Celebration, as well as a Virtual Celebration of Black History Month and “The Hidden Crisis: Mental Health in the Time of COVID-19 within the African American Community.” An active member of the IAVM, Bradley has participated in the Association’s Venue Management School and Academy for Venue Safety and Security programs.

The Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts has served as Raleigh’s premier performing arts venue since 1932. The venue draws approximately 400,000 guests annually to its four separate event spaces and is home to the Carolina Ballet, North Carolina Theatre, North Carolina Symphony, North Carolina Opera, and PineCone. With roughly 600 events each year, the venue draws an average of $35.4 million in economic impact to Raleigh’s businesses, hotels, and restaurants.

Sarah McAlister is Marketing Management for the Duke Energy Center for the Performing Arts in Raleigh, North Carolina.

By ISSA and R.V. Baugus

As public assembly venues continue the process of opening to varying degrees, the list of those IAVM member venues continues to grow when it comes to earning GBAC STAR accreditation.

“GBAC STAR has helped facilities reopen safely and remain operational during the COVID-19 pandemic,” said ISSA Executive Director John Barrett. “By creating safer and cleaner environments, these organizations are able to protect their employees, customers, and visitors while also supporting the bottom line during these difficult times.”

Convention Centers

Little Rock Convention & Visitors Bureau in Little Rock, Ark.
Moscone Convention Center in San Francisco
Pueblo Convention Center in Pueblo, Colo.
TCF Center Detroit in Detroit
Washington State Convention Center in Seattle

Stadiums and Arenas

Comerica Center in Frisco, Texas
Delaware North Company-TD Garden in Boston, home of the NBA’s Boston Celtics and the NHL’s Boston Bruins
FirstEnergy Stadium in Cleveland, home of the NFL’s Cleveland Browns
Nationwide Arena in Columbus, Ohio, home of the NHL’s Columbus Blue Jackets
RP Funding Center in Lakeland, Fla.

Learn more and apply for GBAC STAR™ facility accreditation at gbac.org/star.

Find accredited facilities and those pursuing accreditation via the GBAC STAR Facility Directory at gbac.org/directory.

IAVM members seeking to apply for accreditation through GBAC, please use the link https://gbac.issa.com/iavm/!

About GBAC, a Division of ISSA

Composed of international leaders in the field of microbial-pathogenic threat analysis, mitigation, response and recovery, the Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC), a Division of ISSA, provides training, guidance, accreditation, certification, crisis management assistance and leadership to government, commercial and private entities looking to mitigate, quickly address and/or recover from biological threats and real-time crises. The organization’s services include biorisk management program assessment and training, Forensic Restoration® response and remediation, the GBAC STAR™ facility and service accreditation programs, training and certification of individuals and consulting for building owners and facility managers. For more information, visit www.gbac.org.

About ISSA

With more than 10,500 members—including distributors, manufacturers, manufacturer representatives, wholesalers, building service contractors, in-house service providers, residential cleaners and associated service members—ISSA is the world’s leading trade association for the cleaning industry. The association is committed to changing the way the world views cleaning by providing its members with the business tools they need to promote cleaning as an investment in human health, the environment and an improved bottom line. Headquartered in Northbrook, Ill., USA, the association has regional offices in Mainz, Germany; Whitby, Canada; Parramatta, Australia; Seoul, South Korea; and Shanghai, China. For more information about ISSA, visit www.issa.com or call 800-225-4772 (North America) or 847-982-0800.

By Julian Bowman

Fair Park First, the non-profit organization charged with management and stewardship of Fair Park, announced the start of Phase 1 of the “Fair Park, Your Park” capital campaign, which will seek to raise $85 million in the next five years. The Honorable and Mrs. George W. Bush will serve as Honorary Chairs, while Ambassador Ron Kirk and his wife Matrice, along with Margo Ramirez Keyes and Jim Keyes, will serve as the Unity Co-Chairs.

During President Bush’s presidency, Fair Park gained recognition from the President’s Committee on the Arts and Humanities, the National Park Service, and other cultural agencies with Saving America’s Treasures. Like the Bushes, the Kirks and Keyes are proud Texans and have served as leaders at both the local and national scales.

“Jewels like Fair Park are gathering places that connect people from all walks of life. Parks shape our community and culture and bring us together,” Darren L. James, President of Fair Park First, said. “Support from President Bush and First Lady Laura Bush, and our Unity Co-Chairs, the Kirks and Keyes, speak to the importance of this phase of the Fair Park Master Plan implementation. Recognizing their belief in Fair Park’s future and its significance to the city, state and nation is humbling. We are fortunate and glad to have their support in this important endeavor.”

Today, Fair Park continues to be a focal point of activation in North Texas and one of the most highly visited destinations in the state. It hosts the annual State Fair of Texas®, major sporting events at Cotton Bowl® Stadium, Broadway shows at the Music Hall, concerts at Dos Equis Pavilion, and a wide variety of educational and cultural activities at the African American Museum, Texas Discovery Gardens, Band Shell, and the Hall of State. Thirty of the original buildings constructed for the Texas Centennial still host events, but many of those structures and other critical elements need refurbishment.

“In true Texan spirit, a restored and revitalized Fair Park will serve as a beacon of unity to all Texans and the world,” Brian Luallen, Executive Director of Fair Park First, said.

In close partnership with Spectra, Fair Park First is tasked with restoring, revitalizing, and renewing Fair Park. It has received unanimous Dallas City Council approval for a 20-year Master Plan Update to restore and put the “park” back in Fair Park. The initiative will maintain and enhance the park’s educational, entertainment, and cultural activities while creating spacious green belts with fountains, splash parks, and natural Texas landscapes. These updates will transform Fair Park into a family-friendly, 365 day-a-year sustainable destination.

“This campaign will create beautiful green spaces that will benefit the local neighborhoods, designed by Studio-MLA, and enhance the Park operators’ ability to attract new events and permanent attractions,” Margo Ramirez Keyes, Executive Campaign Council Chair and Unity Co-Chair, said. “The goal is to re-activate Fair Park and create a vibrant, catalytic hub of activity that will inspire positive economic activity in the area.”

The Fair Park, Your Park Capital Campaign will look to raise $85 million for Phase 1 of the Master Plan Update with partners Biederman Redevelopment Ventures and Rise360 Consulting. This phase includes creating an 11-acre Community Park, converting 400,000 sq. ft. of concrete and blacktop parking into 17-acres of expanded green space, and a 1.3-acre Gateway Park for residents and visitors across the region, the United States, and the world to enjoy.

Julian Bowman is Senior Director of Marketing for Spectra Venue Management’s Fair Park in Dallas, Texas.

Kylie Wilkerson is the Senior Manager of Event Services at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. She has worked her way through various levels of the venue management industry – intern, food & beverage supervisor, event coordinator, and ultimately to the leadership role in a busy and thriving Event Services department. In her current role she oversees the coordination of professional sporting events with the Nashville Predators, Concerts, Conferences, and Awards Shows. Kylie is honored to represent Bridgestone Arena as a 2020 IAVM 30|Under|30 winner.

“From March – May (and still) many things were uncertain, including the status of this award. When I received word in early May that I had been selected as a winner it was such a relief to finally have some certainty and provided some much needed joy and excitement during a stressful time. Honored to be a part of this group during such a unique time in our industry and world.”

Join your Foundation in congratulating Kylie on being honored as one of the 30|UNDER|30 Class of 2020 and don’t forget to come back each Thursday as we spotlight another honoree!