By Convention South

Georgia International Convention Center executive director Mercedes Miller was recently inducted into the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc., Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter.

Awarding her efforts in the City of College Park, Miller oversees the Gateway Center Campus including Gateway Center Arena and the Historic College Park Golf Course.

“To be inducted into an illustrious organization such as the National Coalition of 100 Black Women Inc., Metropolitan Atlanta Chapter is an honor,” Miller said. “I have always strived to live up to the organization’s mission to advocate on behalf of black women and girls because representation and mentorship are essential to our community.”

Miller began her hospitality career in sales and marketing at the Stouffer Waverly Hotel. She then became part of the opening team for The Renaissance Concourse Hotel at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport. Her career path led her to the Atlanta Convention and Visitors Bureau (ACVB) as the airport’s national sales manager before her long tenure on the Gateway Center Campus.

Miller attributes her success to her community involvement. She sits on several boards including the ATL Airport District CVB, the Motherless Daughters Foundation, the Atlanta Airport Chamber, and the ACVB. While working in the hospitality industry for more than 30 years, Miller has been honored many times as a leader in her community, most notably by Who’s Who in Black Atlanta and Top 100 Leaders in Hospitality by the Atlanta Business Chronicle (2012-2018).

The National Coalition of 100 Black Women, Inc. is a non-profit organization whose mission is to advocate on behalf of black women and girls to promote leadership development and gender equity in the areas of health, education, and economic empowerment.

By New Orleans CityBusiness

New Orleans CityBusiness, a weekly business newspaper, has named Michael J. Sawaya, Convention Center President, as one of New Orleans’ most notable Industry Newsmakers in the field of tourism. This special distinction is given out to individuals who make headlines for their newsworthy contributions to their respective industry and consumers they serve. Since joining the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in early 2018, Sawaya has stewarded multiple transformative projects that will reshape the facility, positioning it to enhance its competitiveness in the national event industry and its place in the New Orleans community.

Among the largest projects of the $557 million Capital Improvement Plan that Sawaya has seen to completion was the construction of a 7.5-acre Pedestrian Park that runs the entire length of the Convention Center, transforming the way New Orleanians interact with the facility, improving the safety of Convention Center Boulevard, and providing external customers with brand-new ways to enjoy their stay at the facility.

Sawaya also implemented one of the largest environmental improvement projects to ever be completed in the gulf coast area, which saw the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center transition to energy-efficient LED lighting, improvements to the facility’s water usage, as well as upgrades to its heating and cooling systems, significantly reducing the Convention Center’s carbon footprint by lowering the amount of water and electricity needed to run the three million square foot facility.

Additionally, Sawaya implemented policies that have positioned the Convention Center as a national leader in providing real opportunities to Small and Emerging Businesses (SEB) and Disadvantaged Business Enterprises (DBE). Through its policies during his tenure, the Convention Center aggressively promotes the hiring of local vendors for the purchase of goods and services and has created easy access to new business opportunities.

Since the program launched in 2019, the Convention Center’s program has increased SEB/DBE contracts by 36%, increased payments from 2% to 20%, registered 1187 new businesses, grown the database to 1250 vendors strong, and created the SEBconnect app.

Under his leadership, Sawaya put policies in place that helped the Convention Center thrive throughout the uncertain times of the COVID-19 Pandemic, investing in the facility’s staff who continued to make improvements and upgrades to the Convention Center.

Sawaya also encouraged facility leadership to pursue certifications, like the Global Biorisk Advisory Council’s STAR Certification, which proved to be critical in getting the New Orleans tourism industry back on track. As a result of these bold initiatives, the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center emerged on the other side of one of the most threatening times in the New Orleans tourism industry as a premiere venue and industry leader.

Looking toward the future, Sawaya is at the helm of a $557 million Capital Improvement Plan that will transform the facility to exceed the expectations of current and future users and support the destination in being more competitive nationally. The massive, transformative project also includes laying the groundwork for construction of future developments, including new facilities like a headquarters hotel and mixed-use entertainment district that includes the construction of an exciting new residential neighborhood adjacent to the Convention Center.

“It is indeed a very distinctive honor to be named a Tourism Newsmaker in a city that is very well known for its unique take on expositions and events,” Sawaya said. “I sincerely appreciate the responsibility that I have to ensure that this great city and its convention center continues to be heralded as a leading-edge organization known for innovative delivery of exceptional event experiences in our world-class destination.”

By Jude-Anne Spencer-Phillip

The Pennsylvania Convention Center announced that it has received its Global Biorisk Advisory Council (GBAC) STAR reaccreditation for a second consecutive year.

GBAC STAR is considered the gold standard of healthy and resilient facilities. Reaccreditation is awarded to facilities following a comprehensive evaluation process of its cleaning, disinfection, and infectious disease prevention protocols over the past year to ensure that the venue remains committed to and effective at maintaining and delivering a program that supports a clean, safe, and healthy environment for workers and guests.

“The Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority is proud to have, once again, earned the GBAC STAR reaccreditation,” said David A. Nasatir, Esq., Chair of the Board, Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. “Since receiving our initial accreditation in 2020, and reaccreditation in 2021, we have remained steadfast in our commitment to the health, safety, and overall well-being of all who enter our facility.”

In the two years since first receiving its GBAC STAR accreditation, the Pennsylvania Convention Center implemented additional phases of its capital improvement projects and, in partnership with Siemens, is currently working on completing the installation of further HVAC upgrades and sensors connected to the air handling units which will monitor, in real time, the air quality, and system performance.

These upgrades not only maintain a healthy and safe environment for guests and workers but also help to facilitate the Center’s sustainability objectives.

“As a state-of-the-art facility, the Pennsylvania Convention Center has gone to great lengths to ensure the safety of our guests and staff while maintaining the highest levels of customer service and hospitality,” said John J. McNichol, President and CEO, Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority. “Simultaneously, as a steward of the public good, at the forefront of our operations is the commitment to the environment and the community in which we serve. For over 20 years we have partnered with Siemens to implement technology that strategically reduces the environmental impact of our operations and positions the Pennsylvania Convention Center as a leader in smart infrastructure and sustainability.”

Many of the Center’s upgrades, such as the connection of the facility’s two central heating and cooling plants, have also had a direct impact on the facility’s energy efficiency. Additionally, the Center has implemented further initiatives such as increasing its daily purchase of renewable energy certificates to 50%, increasing its waste diversion rate goal to 50%, and eliminating single use plastics in the venue, to further cement the Pennsylvania Convention Center as a “green” facility.

As an ASM Global managed facility, these sustainability initiatives form part of ASM Global ACTS, a corporate social responsibility program which was launched in October 2021 by the Center’s venue management partner.

“The ASM Global ACTS program focuses on three key pillars; protecting the environment, investing in people, and strengthening our communities,” said Kelvin D. Moore, Regional Vice President for ASM Global and General Manager at the Pennsylvania Convention Center. “The mission of the Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority aligns with the pillars of the ASM Global ACTS program, and the Authority has been a steadfast supporter of the various initiatives that are a part of the program. Being able to partner with the Authority in these and other initiatives, enhances our collective ability to deliver positive impacts to the community.”

Jude-Anne Spencer-Phillip is Senior Communications Manager at the Pennsylvania Convention Center.

From TennesseeTitans.com

Nashville and Davidson County Mayor John Cooper and the Tennessee Titans announced they have agreed to terms for a new enclosed stadium that would relieve a nearly $2 billion burden on Nashville taxpayers by voiding the current lease agreement.

The lease for Nissan Stadium, signed in 1996, legally obligates Nashville to provide a “first-class” stadium until 2039. The Mayor’s Office worked with Metro Council to hire Venue Solutions Group (VSG), an independent and nationally recognized public facility consulting firm, to assess the condition of Nissan Stadium and estimate Metro’s financial obligation to the Titans. VSG estimates that renovating and maintaining Nissan Stadium would cost between $1.75 billion and $1.95 billion over the remaining 17 years of the current stadium lease. This liability would require general fund dollars that could otherwise support essential priorities like public schools and first responders.

Faced with the challenge of a $1.75B-1.95B unfunded liability on an aging stadium, Mayor Cooper pursued other options to shift the cost off the general fund. After months of negotiation, and with a generous contribution from the Tennessee State Legislature, the city and team have agreed to terms that would bring a new, enclosed stadium to Nashville at no cost to the city’s general fund. The enclosed option unlocks two revenue sources that wouldn’t otherwise be available – investments from the state and the hospitality industry.

“This new stadium proposal protects Metro taxpayers by not spending a single dollar that could be spent elsewhere on our core priorities like education and public safety,” said Mayor John Cooper. “Doing nothing was not a legal option for us, and renovating the current stadium proved to be financially irresponsible, so we are proposing a new stadium paid for by the team, the state, tourists and spending around the stadium — not by your family.”

Additionally, the team agrees to waive $32 million of outstanding bills owed by the city for construction and maintenance performed on Nissan Stadium over the past four years. As part of the overall project budget, the team also agrees to pay off the remaining $30 million in bonds owed on Nissan Stadium. This represents $62 million in additional unfunded liabilities relieved as part of the agreement.

The proposed stadium would be built directly east of Nissan Stadium on land that is currently parking lots. As part of the proposal, Metro would regain control of over 66 acres of land, including the existing Nissan Stadium site. Land that would have remained surface parking for the next 17 years can now serve Nashville with a large park, greenways, affordable housing, a multi-modal boulevard, local businesses and more – all without selling any public land.

“I’m grateful to Amy Adams Strunk, Burke Nihill and the entire Titans organization for their commitment to Nashville,” added Mayor Cooper. “Residents’ tax dollars can go to core city services because the Titans have stepped up to cover future ongoing maintenance on the new stadium. I’d also like to thank Governor Lee and our partners at the state legislature for recognizing the Titans’ enormous economic contributions. Together, we are making sure that the Titans stay in Tennessee for generations to come.”

“When my father brought this team to Tennessee 25 years ago, I don’t think he could have imagined a better home for our organization,” said Titans controlling owner Amy Adams Strunk. “The way the people of Tennessee have embraced this team as their own is truly something special, and I am thrilled that with this new agreement, we will cement our future here in Nashville for another generation.”

Funding for the new stadium comes from four separate revenue sources, described in detail below. The Titans, the NFL, and personal seat license (PSL) sales combined represent the largest source of funding for the new stadium. General obligation bonds are not a part of the proposal, and zero dollars are required from Metro’s operating budget.

Sources of funding for the new stadium:

1) Football-Related Sources: Titans, NFL (subject to final NFL approval), and PSL sales;

2) State: a one-time contribution contingent on the building of a new, enclosed stadium;

3) Hospitality: Tourists and visitors through a new 1% hotel/motel tax contingent on the building of a new, enclosed stadium; and

4) Stadium/ Campus: Sales and use taxes collected at the stadium and on its campus.

$840 million for the new stadium and any construction overruns will come from the Titans, NFL, and PSL sales. $500 million will come from the one-time state contribution. The remaining $760 million will come from revenue bonds issued by the Metro Sports Authority to be repaid through the revenue streams described above, all of which, per state statute, can only be used for this project or other stadium-related costs.

The Titans have agreed to maintain and backstop upkeep over the life of the lease, and Metro will own the stadium when the lease expires– creating a multi-billion-dollar asset for the city.

“Nashville’s new stadium will be a game changer for the community, enhancing the national and international reputation of our great city and state and delivering world-class events to our doorstep that we could never have dreamed of 25 years ago,” said Titans President and CEO, Burke Nihill. “We couldn’t be more appreciative of Mayor Cooper’s commitment to prioritizing the taxpayers of Nashville and his vision for a bold future on the East Bank. We look forward to the discussion of these terms with Metro Council and the Sports Authority, and hearing from our neighbors in the community as this process continues.”

“I’m glad we’re at this stage,” said Councilmember Bob Mendes, Chair of the East Bank Special Committee. “After a negotiation spanning two years, there now is a proposal being shared with the community and the Council. I appreciate the Mayor and Titans leadership embracing a transparent process to help all of us learn more about the proposal.”

Additional key facts:

· The new stadium will be home to up to FOUR Tennessee State University home games each year, and TSU will have a dedicated locker room in the facility. TSU will pay no rent under this new deal.

· Venue Solutions Group (VSG) will be providing a full report to Metro Council of their findings that details their methodology and approach by November 1. A summary of their initial findings thus far was provided to Mayor Cooper at his request.

· The new lease will run for a minimum of 30 years, and the new stadium could be ready as early as the 2026 NFL season.

· The Titans have agreed to cover any construction cost overruns.

· The Titans will expand their current impact programs and launch a new community benefits platform with economic inclusion, small business and workforce development and direct support for community priorities.

· Local businesses, goods, and labor will be prioritized in construction and vendor contracts.

· Costs of stadium-related infrastructure and demolition of the old stadium are built into the deal.

The new stadium will also feature other world-class, iconic events such as CMA Fest, concerts, and potentially major sporting events like the Super Bowl, NCAA Playoff Games, WrestleMania and more.

Chris Bundick has been named the Director of Financial Planning and Reporting for the New Orleans Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, the sixth largest convention center in the nation. Bundick will be responsible for providing strategic leadership in managing of financial planning, budgeting, analytics, and the comprehensive reporting process.

Bundick brings 24 years of experience in financial planning and reporting to his new role. He began his career as an auditor for the Office of the Louisiana Legislative Auditor in Monroe. He continued on his career path, sharpening his skills as the Controller for the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary where he oversaw all of their financial accounting processes for its multi-million-dollar budget, financial audits, post office operations, investments, and more.

Most recently, Bundick served as the Vice President of Finance and Operations (CFO) of the University of Holy Cross in New Orleans. There, he managed a multi-million-dollar budget and emphasized a culture of unity and transparency. Bundick managed a team of more than 20 staff members with expertise in various fields from accounting to facilities operations to technology and beyond. As he did in his prior positions, Bundick was able to establish a culture and system of accountability that proved to be successful, leading his former organization through ten consecutive annual audits without any material weakness findings.

Bundick is a licensed minister with a Master of Divinity degree from the New Orleans Baptist Theological Seminary and enjoys sailing, golfing, serving at his church, and spending time with his family in his free time.

“As we look to continue on the path of delivering innovative events in a world-class destination, we are happy to welcome Chris to our Convention Center team,” said Alita Caparotta, Convention Center Vice President of Finance and Administration. “As an expert in financial planning, Chris will assist our organization in staying financially efficient and ensuring our financial goals are met as we continue to expand our offerings as a leader in our industry. Chris is a team-oriented, results-driven professional and we are happy to have him on our team.”