By Michele Remenschneider

As part of our annual All Employees Meeting, the Allen County War Memorial Coliseum invited IAVM Director of Education Mark Herrera to talk to our staff members. When we were in the planning stages Mr. Herrera suggested we could include some of our local venue partners to join in on the training.

We ended up holding two training sessions. The first one included members of our local law enforcement agencies, sports teams, local theatres, our zoo, airport, and others involved in putting on events. We were excited to host the gathering of colleagues. The training was well received and provided a platform to share contact information and resources.

Our annual meeting was attended by all of our staff as part of our gearing up for the busy time of year. Mark did the Situational Awareness training and once again it was a huge win. His ability to relate to the crowd, share his experiences, as well as provide tips and best practices for providing a safe environment was a great training opportunity. I know our awareness level was raised and we are better equipped to see something, say something and especially do something!

Mark trained nearly 400 people during his time in Fort Wayne. Our building is truly grateful to Mark and the IAVM for their commitment to education, training, and safety.

Michele Remenschneider is vice president of event services for Allen County War Memorial Stadium in Fort Wayne, Indiana.

By Mary Klida

Claude Molinari, general manager of ASM Global/TCF Center, announced that TCF Center has been awarded LEED Gold Certification. The LEED (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) rating system, developed by the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), is the foremost program for buildings, homes and communities that are designed, constructed, maintained and operated for improved environmental and human health performance. With 2.4 million square feet in the venue, TCF Center becomes the largest LEED certified building in the state of Michigan.

The certification plaque was presented to Molinari in a ceremony at TCF Center by Mahesh Ramanujam, president and CEO, USGBC.

“LEED is a transformative tool that is helping communities build spaces that are not only better for the environment, but for people too,” Ramanujam said. “By prioritizing sustainability, TCF Center is leading the way in its industry. It is moving beyond construction and efficiency and finding ways to help us improve our quality of life by creating spaces that prioritize health and well-being.”

TCF Center opened as the largest convention center in the United States in 1960 and underwent a major renovation in 1989. Its Green Committee was formed in 2011 with members from every administrative department and vendor company in the building, obtaining the venue’s green certifications and developing sustainable operations. The facility’s most recent $279 million renovation in 2015 included significant upgrades in energy HVAC saving equipment, water saving fixtures, and a living green roof. With a grant from the Smart Buildings Detroit Energy Conservation Program, the venue also installed overall energy reduction enhancements. Those include $9.9 million in insulation, computerized mechanical and lighting controls, induction lighting in all exhibit halls, enclosed loading docks and energy efficient escalators.

“We continue to make strides in improving the sustainability of our offerings,” Molinari said. “Receiving our LEED Gold Certification signals that our venue is truly world-class with all of the benefits a sustainable environment offers.”

The ongoing improvements in sustainable operations over the years at TCF Center got the attention of some of the event industry’s most influential trade shows that promote global environmentalism such as Sustainable Brands, an association of global brand leaders shaping the future of commerce. It held its first event at TCF Center in 2017 where it recorded a 92 percent waste diversion rate. Sustainable Brands once again selected TCF Center for its SB’19 Conference because of the venue’s commitment to sustainability and efforts in encouraging suppliers to follow best practices. The conference held June 4-6 2019 achieved zero waste status by recording a 100 percent diversion rate.

“TCF Center’s commitment to sustainability and reducing its environmental impact was an important factor in why we wanted to bring our global event to Detroit. We are excited to hear about TCF Center’s new LEED certification and hope that this will help attract similar events to Detroit and to TCF Center,” said David Fiss, director business development, partnerships and event strategy for Sustainable Brands.

TCF Center was recognized by LEED for several best practices resulting in the certification. High efficiency of having 1,200 parking spaces on the roof top was noted, along with the reflective surfaces of the roof and the venue’s Living Green Roof. Efficiency of water use was highly rated as was the venue’s sustainability marketing efforts with specific credit to the “Sustainability Lives Here” campaign designed by Detroit-based Lovio George Communications.

LEED is the most widely used green building rating system and a symbol of international excellence. Green buildings allow venues like TCF Center to operate more sustainably and provide a healthier, more comfortable space for people to enjoy. More than 98,500 commercial and institutional projects are currently participating in LEED, comprising more than 21 billion square feet of construction space in all 50 states and more than 175 countries and territories. There are 213 LEED certified buildings in the Metro Detroit area.

“TCF Center has actively been working to push the needle on sustainable operations since 2011,” said Joel Howrani Heeres, director, Office of Sustainability for the City of Detroit. “This LEED Gold certification recognizes their efforts to reduce their environmental impact while still being a leader in the tourism and events industry. TCF Center serves as an excellent example to other building owners in Detroit. The changes they’ve made to both their operations and organizational culture will help the city as it moves towards a future as a sustainable and resilient city.”

Mary Klida is senior marketing & communications manager at TCF Center, formerly Cobo Center.

By Tyler Koonce

Henderson Engineers announced the promotion of Julie Pierce to senior vice president. This promotion was a natural next step for Pierce who stepped into a business unit leader role at Henderson last year following her successful tenure as the director of operations for the firm’s Kansas City, Missouri office. Pierce will help guide the firm’s growth along with its executive leadership team.

Since joining Henderson in 1998, Pierce has risen through the ranks from project manager to team leader to senior leadership. She will continue to operate as a business unit leader for Henderson, overseeing engineering teams that specialize in K-12 education, sports and recreation, venue, higher education, and workplace projects. Pierce also leads the firm’s architectural lighting design group, which she cofounded in 2002.

“Julie has been a crucial part of our firm’s development since she joined us more than 21 years ago,” President and CEO Rich Smith said. “Her positive energy, diligence, integrity with clients, passion, and technical skill for her craft is unmatched. Julie has been a mentor and friend to so many during her tenure and has played a huge role in our record growth as a firm.”

“I am incredibly thankful to Rich and the entire leadership team for having the faith in me to grow into this exciting new challenge,” Pierce said. “Throughout my career at Henderson, I’ve been able to connect my passions to provide engineering solutions for our clients, mentoring and professional development to colleagues and students, and contribute to the revitalization and development of Kansas City. I am beyond grateful and can’t wait to see our firm continue to grow and change the industry.”

At Henderson, Pierce is passionate about professional development and cofounded Empow[HER], the firm’s dedicated women’s network. Created for women by women, the Empow[HER] program was designed to help propel women within the company and industry through collaboration and connections. Empow[HER] offers educational sessions, networking, and programs that foster the growth of professional relationships and encourages girls and young women to develop an interest in and eventually pursue careers in STEAM (science, technology, engineering, art, and mathematics) fields. Since the program was launched in 2014, membership has grown to more than 100 individuals. The group produces more than 15 internal and external programs each year, including the popular Junior Engineering Day.

Pierce also is a member of numerous civic initiatives throughout Kansas City, including serving as the incoming chair of the Downtown Council of Kansas City. After serving as vice chair of the organization and chair of the business retention and attraction committee, Pierce is poised to take over as the chair on Nov. 1 and is looking forward to helping advance key initiatives such as the Downtown KC 2030 Strategic Plan.

She is a member of the KC Chamber’s Executive Women’s Leadership Council, served on the board of directors for the American Institute of Architects (AIA) – Kansas City chapter, participates as a mentor in Lead to Read KC, and was a judge and mentor for Future City. In 2018, she was honored in the Kansas City Business Journal’s “Women Who Mean Business” class and received the Groundbreaking Leadership STEMMy Award from Central Exchange.

Also in 2018, Pierce was inducted into the Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering Academy (CEAE) at the University of Kansas. This prestigious recognition honors distinguished alumni and friends in recognition of professional achievements, civic service, advocacy, and support for KU CEAE. Pierce graduated from KU in 1994 with a Bachelor of Science in architectural engineering.

Tyler Koonce is communications manager for Henderson Engineers.

By Sabrina Anico

The Miami Beach Convention Center (MBCC, a Spectra-managed venue) announced the appointment of Patricia M. Rios, MSHRM, as its new Human Resources Business Partner to the re-imagined venue.

Rios, most recently relocated from Orlando, FL, enjoys over 18 years of human resources management experience, including roles at several recognizable hospitality companies such as Centerplate, Interstate Hotels & Resorts, Starwood Hotels, and KSL Resorts. In her most recent role as Corporate Executive, Rios oversaw human resources operations for several locations in the United States including universities, convention centers, sports stadiums, and other hospitality venues.

Rios’ expertise includes over 10 years of hospitality experience relaying human resources functions into business efficiency and building infrastructure, with a particular focus on property openings, transitions and renovations. Throughout her career she has established and implemented policies and procedures while building department infrastructure. Rios’ leadership style emphasizes improving and maintaining positive employee relations through talent development and talent retention, with a focus on fostering a culture of inclusion,
teamwork, communication, and maintaining organizational growth.

“Patricia’s strong hospitality background combined with her excellent leadership, experience, professionalism, management skillset and compassion exemplify exactly what this critical role requires for the MBCC,” said Freddie Peterson, General Manager of the MBCC. “We’re excited to welcome her to the MBCC family and Miami Beach, and look forward to further elevating the team in delivering excellence in customer service at this magnificent venue.”

Rios is a graduate from Florida International University with a Master of Science in Human Resources Management and a Bachelor’s in Business Management from Ashford University.

Prior to her transition Rios was a member of the Hispanic Chamber of Commerce of Metro Orlando, International Drive Chamber of Commerce, Puerto Rican Chamber of Commerce of Central Florida and Orlando Economic Development Partnership.

“I am thrilled to be a part of the Miami Beach Convention Center,” Rios said. “I really look forward to exploring all of the wonderful arts and culture on Miami Beach!”

The Human Resources Business Partner at the MBCC is responsible for aligning business objectives with employees and management, consulting with management team on human resource-related issues, while acting as an employee champion and change agent.

Sabrina Anico is Marketing Manager of the Miami Beach Convention Center, Spectra Venue Management.

By Holli Hanson

The NBA Portland Trail Blazers and Rose Quarter have undergone some major changes in staffing.

Specifically, Amanda Mann has been promoted to senior vice president and general manager of Rose Quarter operations where she oversees all booking, ticket operations, guest experience/security, event, and facility operations.

The Rose Quarter is the home of the Portland Trail Blazers, Moda Center and Veterans Memorial Coliseum, and Mann is the first female general manager of the campus in the Trail Blazers’ 50 years as a franchise. Prior to joining the organization, Mann served as assistant general manager, VP of booking & event operations at Toyota Center in Houston, Texas, as well as VP of booking for Clear Channel Entertainment, Texas.

Holli Hanson is corporate communications coordinator for the Portland Trail Blazers and Moda Center.