Be! - Downtown Rochester...an eight-page folded mailer, to a sixteen-page magazine style newsletter....

Be!H E L L O2 016

EVENTS

volume 3issue no.1

march 2016DOWNTOWN ROCHESTER NEWSLET TER

a word from the EDp. 3

featured stakeholderp. 14

Q&A w/new BODsp. 10

movies in the parkp. 5

thursdays on first & 3rdp. 7

style on the plaza & morep. 9

© 2016 rochester downtown alliance. all rights reserved | 4 3rd St. SW, Suite B, Rochester, MN 55902 | downtownrochesterMN.com

photo: 2015 thursdays on first & 3rd

Board of DirectorsStaffDan C. AguilarBoard ChairSmart Home Innovations

Steve BorchardtRochester Area Foundation

Jody K. Chambers (Steffl)Bremer Bank Wealth Management

Mark CurrieCreative Cuisine

Bruce DahlstromHers

Jay Hesley Policy Committee ChairUniversity of Minnesota Rochester

Ed HruskaCity of Rochester

Al ManninoDowntown Cultural Initiatives ChairMannino Marketing

Teresa McCormackSpace & Place Committee Chairthe urban studio, llc

John MurphyMayo Clinic

Matt MurphyBoard Development Committee Co - ChairKathy’s Pub

Bern O’BrienSecretary/Treasuer318 Commons

Jamie RadkeTitan Development

Johanna RianMayo Clinic

Brenda RiggottAt Large

Patrick SeebDMC/EDA

Brad SmithBoard Develoment CommitteeCo - ChairPeople’s Food Co-Op

Jenna BowmanExecutive Director

Laura EngelmanCommunity Engagement Manager

Ender GöçmenMarketing Manager

Karli McElroyEvents & Volunteer Coordinator

YOUR ROCHESTER DOWNTOWN ALLIANCE


Ahmad A.M. SiddiquiThe UPS Store

Ex-OfficioMayor Ardell BredeCity of Rochester

Terry SpaethCity of Rochester

Brad JonesRochester Convention and Visitors Bureau

I NT H I SISSUE

movies in the parkp. 5

thursdays on first & 3rdp. 7

style on the plaza & morep. 9

peaceplazap. 12

featuredstakeholderp. 14

from the chairp. 15

Q&A w/new BODsp. 10

p. 3

In May, I will celebrate two years as the Executive Director

of the Rochester Downtown Alliance (RDA). In the time that I have been with the RDA, there has been quite a bit of transition: from onboarding an entirely new staff, to moving the RDA office, to welcoming six new Board of Directors. All of this transition has assisted in strengthening the organization, and I feel incredibly confident about our current foundation. What energized me when I was interviewing for this position was the opportunity to come back to my hometown and be a part of the momentous change. This was not just the change of new buildings, new jobs or more people, it was the opportunity to have an impact on how downtown Rochester was going to be known and recognized in the decades to come. As we advance into the year, you will begin to see changes in items like this newsletter. As you have already noticed, we have moved from an eight-page folded mailer, to a sixteen-page magazine

style newsletter. This is meant to provide you with more details about what is happening in downtown Rochester. In June, you will notice additional changes, as we share updates to our brand. These changes will usher downtown Rochester into the next era. It is about ensuring that those who live, work and visit downtown Rochester know it for the unique people, places and

experiences. That is the rich history of our downtown, and it will continue to be our focus. I am incredibly excited and proud of where the RDA has come and all that is ahead. Since my first day on the job, I have taken this role and opportunity to lead this organization seriously and with intention. I look forward to all that is ahead over the next nine months and, as always, I encourage you to get involved, stay connected and be engaged.F R O M

T H EED

Photo: Jenna Bowman, RDA Executive Director

It is ensuring that those who live, work and visit downtown Rochester know it for the unique people, places and experiences.

“

The City wants to remind all property owners and businesses that a 5’ clearance must be maintained on all sidewalks. If you place any items on the sidewalk, please ensure that the 5’ minimum clearance is maintained at all times.

From the City of Rochester

Photo: (left to right, top to bottom) Instagram users @guifengh_, @ littlewendybird, @bwootla, @superjoyyable

SOCIALICE

2 016

Many referred to this year’s event

as “Social Slush” due to warm temperatures, but that didn’t stop 35,000 people from enjoy-ing themselves during three nights of fun on the Peace Plaza. With ice sculptures rang-ing from the Incredible Hulk to Paul Bunyan, event goers were able to snap some memo-

rable pictures during the week and on Thursday night during the kickoff of SocialICE. As the ice proceeded to melt over the next couple of days, bar own-ers and event attendees em-braced the warmer tempera-tures. Guests enjoyed dancing the night away, grooving to

tunes being spun by great DJs each night. The Peace Plaza was il-luminated by over 130 LED lights, pixel mapping screens, and pro-jected images onto the side of the Siebens Building. SocialICE was a great time had by all, and the RDA looks forward to some cooler temperatures in 2017!

2016 Fast Facts•After 1,552 votes were cast, Chester’s Kitchen and Bar took home the SocialICE Ice Bar Champions Cup for their “Wizard of Oz” theme•The Rochester Honkers management team greeted guests each night handing out the official event brochure•UMR students passionate about Love Your Melon, volunteered Friday night collecting event surveys and encouraged guests to vote for their favorite bar•387 people took advantage of free trolley rides to and from their favorite downtown establishments •465 people registered their photos with #SocialICE for a chance to win a $25 gift card to one of the participating establishments •34 businesses purchased branded ice sculptures to include in the Walk of ICE. Larger sculptures included a UMR raptor, Post Bulletin newspaper dispenser, and a DMC ice bench

Kathy’s Pub, Grand Rounds Brewpub, The Loop, Chester’s Kitchen and Bar, Salute Wine Bar and More, Victoria’s Ristorante, The Tap House

2016 Participating Bars:


p. 5

MOVIESIN THEP A R K

Formerly known as Movies on the Plaza, Movies in the Park will be moving to

Central Park this year! The new location will offer event attendees more space to enjoy the movie and one another. Whether it’s a date night, family outing, or time for yourself, there is guaranteed to be a movie for you! Check out our lineup above. Thank you to our partner, Premier Banks.

june 11 june 25 july 23

july 23 august 6 august 20

On a nice spring evening, hundreds of women came

downtown to shop, dine, and mingle. The first annual Ladies Night Out event was something to be talked about. 24 downtown businesses opened their doors and entertained ladies through unbeatable sales, free drinks, discounted and free munchies, and a chance to let loose. Ladies had the opportunity to participate in a passport activity which involved visiting at least five of the participating businesses. Once receiving five stamps on their passport, they were entered to win either a $25 gift card from one of the participating businesses, or the grand prize consisting of a $25 gift card from ALL of the businesses (over a $600 value). Over 340 passports were completed and returned. Robin Wolfram of KTTC made a special appearance during the night and enjoyed the Ladies Night Out festivities amongst everyone. Based on a survey for the event, 47% of event attendees spent $50 +, and 78% said the event gave them a new perspective on shopping, dining, or services in downtown Rochester.

L A D I E SN I G H T

O U T

Photo: (Left) Official Ladies Night Out branded tote. (Below) Ladies line up 100 + to get an official Ladies Night Out Tote.

Attendees eager to show us their enthusiasm for Ladies Night Out was apparent by online stats:

LNO RSVP

•761 as Interested•515 as Going•744 Invited


93% of event attendees said they discovered something new about downtown businesses from attending Ladies Night Out.

p. 7

Everyone’s favorite summer market and music festival returns to

downtown Rochester for 13 weeks this summer on Thursdays, June 2- August 25. Over 115 art, craft, and food vendors will take over 1st Avenue and the Peace Plaza selling their handmade products. Each market day will run 11 a.m.-8:30 p.m. with musical performances on two stages, three times a day.

THURSDAYSO N

F I R S T& 3 R D

Historic 3rd Street will also come alive through a number of Themed Thursdays again this year. Watch for event dates with themes including:

Historic 3rd Street

•Adventure•Pop up Park •Farm in the City•The Great Outdoors•Beach Luau•Pay it Forward

Photo: First Ave Stage performance at Thursdays on First & 3rd

Over 3,300 people and their furry friends attended the inaugural year of this event in 2015, and with the help of Clements Subaru, the RDA is excited to announce its return to the Peace Plaza this year.

Dogs Downtown

Date August 7

AL O O KAHEAD

Photo: Furry-four-legged friend and his humans

pose for a photo at Dogs Downtown 2015


p. 9

Fashion lovers rejoice! STYLE on the Plaza is back for 2016 and will continue to feature clothing and accessories from your favorite downtown businesses.

STYLE on the Plaza

DateSeptember 15

Photo: STYLE on the Plaza model poses. © 2016 AB-Photography

Enjoy the fresh, crisp, fall air during our Fall Festival on October 8. Join downtown Rochester on the Peace Plaza for a day of fun, family activities, and fall favorites.

Fall Festival

DateOctober 8

Who doesn’t love a great meal and good company? Get ready for the first ever Downtown Dining Week where you will experience the fine cuisine downton Rochester has to offer.

Downtown Dining Week

DateOctober 16 - 22

F R E S HF A C E S2 0 1 6

The RDA Board of Directors has grown by six new members in 2016. We

are excited to have them as part of the organization, each bringing their own unique experience and talent. Get to know each new member a little bit more and some of their perspectives on downtown Rochester.

Favorite color: BlueSuperhero you most identify with & why: MacGyver, not a super hero, but always worked to do something with nothing, or nearly nothing.Favorite thing about Downtown, Rochester: Ever stronger pulseBest vacation you’ve been on: Hiking in New Zealand or motorcycling in the Alps, tough to choose just one.

Name: Jody Chambers (Steffl) Business: Bremer Bank Private BankingHometown: Rochester, MN

Superhero you most identify with & why: The Flash because of the speed….the busy lives we lead and trying to enjoy each moment whether it be work or personal. Enjoy life – it flies by! Favorite color: RedBand you wish you could see at Thursdays on First: Nitty Gritty Dirt BandBest kept secret of Downtown Rochester: Everybody knows your name!

Name: Patrick Seeb Business: Destination Medical CenterHometown: Fargo, ND

Favorite color: OrangeFavorite thing about Downtown, Rochester: Vibrancy and energy Best kept secret of Downtown Rochester: Sometimes Kruesel’s antique store is open late on Fridays for impromptu civic discussions.Biggest change you think Downtown Rochester will experience in the next 10 years: Population density. There will be 1000 more residents in the downtown area which will fundamentally change the dynamics of the downtown.


Name: Jay HesleyBusiness: University of Minnesota RochesterHometown: Rochester, MN

p. 11

Name: Mark CurrieBusiness: Creative CuisineHometown: Rochester, MN

Name: Bradley SmithBusiness: People’s Food Co-opHometown: Rochester, MN (birthplace Lincoln, NE)

Superhero you most identify with & why: Spiderman. Along with his other superpowers, he is known to use his dry sense of humor during his routine save-the-day endeavors.Favorite thing about Downtown, Rochester: The people who do more than work downtown. I love seeing families seeking out a fun, urban experience. Band you wish you could see at Thursdays on First: Drive By Truckers or Wilco.Best vacation you’ve been on: I studied abroad in Vienna. It wasn’t a vacation per say, but a trip of a lifetime and an eye opening experience.

Superhero you most identify with & why: Hawkeye. I like to use a Bow, and I wait for the perfect shot.Favorite thing about Downtown, Rochester: How much it has changed over the years. There is a lot of vitality now. Biggest change you think Downtown Rochester will experience in the next 10 years: More young professionals seeing that Rochester is a great home base.Best vacation you’ve been on: A tie between India and Russia. Only because they are so different. No Target, Starbucks, or every other replicated chain like we have here.

Name: Jamie RadkeBusiness: Hospitality Controller- Titan VenturesHometown: Byron, MN

Best kept secret of Downtown Rochester: The sitting area on Gonda 19th floor. There’s something about the views and the quiet that is very calming.Biggest change you think Downtown Rochester will experience in the next 10 years: With continued job growth, I think we will start to see a variety of downtown development marketed to young professionals who want to live directly in the heart of downtown within walking distance to work, shopping, and nightlife.Best vacation you’ve been on: Any of the Disney vacations with the family. It really is the happiest place on Earth and you’re never too old to enjoy feeling like a kid again.

...we will start to see a variety of downtown development marketed to young professionals who want to live directly in the heart of downtown within walking distance to work, shopping, and nightlife.

“ Jamie Radke,Titan Ventures


2015 saw an increase in the number of Peace Plaza rentals with a total of 33 rentals taking

place! Some great recurring rentals included: Hiawatha Homes’ Festive Mixology, The Boys & Girls Club’s Chili Challenge, Oktoberfest, and Irish Fest. The Peace Plaza also saw some great new events including Bastille Day by the Alliance Française, We Will Not Stay Silent by Recovery is Happening, and Entrepreneurs on the Plaza. These events are fun for the community and also help bring additional traffic and customers to the downtown area.

The remodel of the Peace Plaza in 2008 created a great opportunity for individuals and groups in Rochester to have a unique and urban gathering space for events. However, since the Peace Plaza was a relatively new space it took a little time for groups to visualize how the space could perform as a venue. The first year of operation in 2008 saw only two recorded rental events within the space with a combined estimated attendance of 1,800 people. As word grew about the space, 2009 saw 10 recorded rentals with an exponential increase in rentals each year after that. As we look back on 2015, the RDA is proud to say that number has grown to 33 recorded rentals with attendance at just over 103,000 people. That is an incredible increase of 5,632% in attendance over a period of just 9 years! The space seems to have accepted by the community as a unique venue that truly represents Rochester and has earned its nickname as the Heart of the City.

Building on the success of previous years, the RDA looks forward to the 2016 Peace Plaza rental year and we hope to see an increase in the number of rentals and attendance taking place. With this growth, the RDA has worked hard with the City of Rochester and third party vendors to address the large increase in Peace Plaza rentals and attendance to ensure that the space is managed professionally and effectively. The RDA staff has also researched best practices of venue facilitation practiced by other rental spaces around the country that are similar to the Peace Plaza. The result of this research is an update and refresh to existing policies and procedures by which the Peace Plaza is rented. Some of these updates include the addition of event software, an on-site event staff member, damage and booking deposits, as well as rescheduling policies. These updates will provide an experience for the renter that is straightforward, easy to navigate and consistent with other venues in Rochester and around the country. The RDA has already secured a good number of new and recurring event rentals so far, and we are excited for the busy summer season ahead! If you are interested in hosting an event on the Peace Plaza please contact Karli McElroy at the Rochester Downtown Alliance, or check out our website at www.DowntownRochesterMN.com for more information.

P E A C EP L A Z A

Photo: (Left) Peace Plaza turn around pre-2008 remodel. (Right) Peace Plaza after 2008 remodel. (Bottom right) Bastille Day.

p. 13

The First-Time Event Guide was an idea morphed out of the Rochester Downtown Alliance’s Downtown Cultural Initiatives (DCI) committee.

One of the charges of the DCI committee is to review grant requests from grassroots artists for stART-up funding of first-time events. This guide acts as a helpful resource in event planning for grant fund recipients, or other individuals and organizations in Rochester who may not have prior event planning experience. Karli McElroy, RDA Events & Volunteer Coordinator, took on the charge of collecting information from RDA staff members to include in the guide and confirmed information with the City of Rochester regarding permits and insurance needed. The guide also includes information regarding third party vendors, sanitation, waste receptacles, catering, and audio/visual production. The end of the guide also features an appendix with examples of event checklists, volunteer overviews and an event summary packet for sponsors. The result is a guide that provides a complete and clear overview of event planning specific to Rochester. The RDA hopes this guide will serve the community by removing some of the fear or unknowns of event planning allowing people to become more involved in making Rochester a vibrant and attractive community. If you are interested in obtaining a digital copy of the First-Time Event Guide, please contact Karli McElroy at [email protected]. or visit DowntownRochesterMN.com.

s t A R TU P

F U N D

The RDA started the Downtown Cultural Initiatives (DCI) Grant with

the intention to assist individuals in the creation and execution of their own unique first-time events within the RDA’s 44-block Special Service District (SSD). Since the inception of the grant in 2013, there have been a diverse mix of events made possible with the help of the RDA’s grant funding. With this success, there has also been

opportunity for growth and evolution. The DCI Committee has recently made three important changes to the grant program. The first is that instead of a rolling grant process where applicants can apply at any time of the year, there will now be specific grant periods in which interested applicants can apply. In addition, the DCI committee has made the intentional decision to limit the grant to grassroots artists or organizers. This means that grants will be limited

to individuals, and institutions will no longer have the opportunity to submit an application for the funds. Finally, the name of the grant will now be referred to as stART-up funding, as the funds are meant to promote arts and culture within the downtown SSD. The members of the DCI committee believe this is a great step for the program and for the community to promote and support Rochester’s grassroots artists and organizers. The grant period for 2016 funds is open March 1 thru the 31, and the committee will select fund recipients by April 30. If you are interested in obtaining an application for stART-up funds please contact Karli McElroy at the Rochester Downtown Alliance.

Stakeholders are the personality of Downtown Rochester, and that got

us thinking, “We bet there are some interesting stories out there.” So the RDA sat down with Downtown Rochester stakeholder Joan K. Blakley-McCoy - “Top Banana” and Owner of Tangerine, with one objective: “Tell us about yourself.” Where did the name Tangerine originate?J: I started out making exquisite fruit baskets for clients and rented the back of a gift shop by the name of Wildflowers that used to be downtown. I needed a name that would go with both fruit and wildflowers, so I chose Tangerine. How long has Tangerine been around?J: [Since] 1999. I started out doing showrooms and setting up stores in San Diego where I was the Visual Director of Bazaar del Mundo. It was one of the most important tourist stops for food and shopping in San Diego at that time. Then when I moved back to Minnesota, I designed displays for Midwest of Cannon Falls showrooms in 17 major cities.What is your most popular item? J: We have the best card selection in town and people come here to buy handfuls of them. We carry the most diverse selection from all over but primarily from artisans. What’s the strangest item you’ve carried?J: I’ll never forget when “Blue Q,” a

company founded in gross and offensive products, first became popular at Tangerine. We’ve carried it almost as long as the store has been in business. I was looking for new products to carry and they suggested CAT BUTT gum! I must say it grossed me out, but trusted the vendor. I started to carry the gum and it was an instant hit!Any interesting, cool, or weird stories from being a business owner? J: In 2003, I was at the store during a quiet time and a client walked in. She looked interesting so I said, “Hi how are you?” She introduced herself as Mary. She mentioned she just moved here to start a new job. So I asked, “Where did you move from?” She replied, “San Diego, California.” I said I moved here from San Diego, and we talked further. Then I asked, “ Are you married?” She said yes. I asked, “What does your husband do?” She answered, “He’s an artist.” I responded that my husband was an artist. Then I asked, “What is your husband’ name?” And she said his name is John. I said, my husband’s name was John, to which she responded by saying, “Well their not the same guy are they?” We both laughed quite a bit over that! We’ve been friends for more than 13 years now, having dinner together every Friday since then with the two Johns!How has art influenced you as a business owner? J: Art is extremely important in my life

and in business. It has been a motivator for the designs I pick for the products in my store as well as the designs I choose to display [our] products. Having artistic design and creativity is important in a city because without it, we run the risk of becoming too sanitized or bland.What is your favorite thing about Rochester? J: I grew up in Rochester and have really great memories that were formed here. It was a wholesome place where families and friends interacted in a quaint and gentle way.What do you think the biggest change will be to downtown in the next 20 years? J: It’s really hard to predict what the biggest change will be to downtown, but I imagine it will involve and be a result of the growth of Mayo Clinic. I am hopeful the city becomes an exciting community for local families and visitors and they all have places where they can nurture their artistic and creative needs as well as having places and experiences that can make you laugh.What do you think is the best kept secret about downtown?J: I think downtown itself is a secret. Many residents of our Rochester and local communities don’t come downtown to participate in our great new restaurants, the fun night life, the events or to shop. They may not be aware of all the wonderful changes that have been taken place downtown.


R D AFEATURED

S E R I E SSTAKEHOLDER

w/ Joan K. Blakley-McCoyof Tangerine

Photo: Joan K. Blakley-McCoy and inside Tangerine

p. 15

Dear Friends of the Rochester Downtown Alliance,Spring is in the air, and it actually came early. So early

that it melted all of our SocialICE sculptures one day into our 3-day event in February. However, no one seemed to mind too much as we had thousands still attend. I think people just wanted an opportunity to gather and enjoy the vitality that exists here more than they wanted to see ice sculptures. This is a very exciting time for downtown Rochester, and I believe our brightest and most vibrant days are ahead of us. I encourage you to thank the City of Rochester,

specifically our political and city leadership for their support. As you might recall, the City Council approved our 10-year Special Service District

renewal last year, ensuring 10 more years of events, programming, and marketing to attract people downtown. As we move forward into our 11th year, the Board of Directors is focused on providing value and vitality as the city continues to grow. This year we brought on six new board members who are passionate about downtown. They are proven leaders in

our community who are eager to make a positive impact.

We have also added events, enhanced our brand experience, have become extremely intentional about our strategic goals, and most importantly, continue to focus on collaboration. Please feel free to reach out

to us as we value your input.

Thank you for your ongoing support,

Dan C. AguilarRDA Board Chair

F R O MT H E

CHAIR

As we move forward into our 11th year, the Board of Directors is focused on providing value and vitality as the city continues to grow.

“

Photo: (Above) by Instagram user @elizabethbatoya, Models pose in the windows at PRIMP boutique during SocialICE 2016 for a pop-up fashion show. (Center) RDA Board Chair Dan C. Aguilar.

Rochester Downtown Alliance4 3rd St. SW, Suite BRochester, MN 55902DowntownRochesterMN.com


40 Civic Center Drive SE | Rochester, MN 55904 | 507-282-8629

AMANDA CURRERI: THE CALMEST OF US WOULD BE LUNATICS PROJECT FEMINIST SPACE: FEATURING WORKS BY THE GUERRILLA GIRLS January 22 – May 8, 2016

EMMETT RAMSTAD: AFTER YOU February 26 – April 24, 2016

C. ANTHONY HUBER: RE-SURFACE February 26 – April 24, 2016

TEAKI GARCIA: URHEIMAT (GUARDIAN) February 18 – May 1, 2016 *on view at People’s Food Coop

CURRENT EXHIBITIONS

FREE FAMILY DAY Join us from 1-4pm on the first Saturday of each month!

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