09-17-96 Personnel & Finance - Laserfiche WebLink

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Committee Report Personnel and Finance Committee September 17, 1996 Page 4 Three restoration projects with many volunteers are currently underway. Another significant program to be offered at the Museum will"Backyard Monsters". In 1997 the International Meet will also be taking place in South Bend. The Marriot and Century Center will be committed to this with this Meet being held here for the first time since 1988. President Kelly is on the steering committee for the Studebaker Museum. ART ASSOCIATION 1996 BUDGETED $66,000 1997 REQUESTED $66,000 Susan R.Visser,the Director of the Art Association then joined the Committee. She noted that the budgeted amount is identical to last year which is a rent or occupancy fee which basically is pass through. She noted that the renovation and expansion has been very positively received by the community. She offered to have a walk through for a"City Night" and is currently working on many other exciting projects. She provided a brochure (copy attached)of the Fall programs. She also noted that the 50th Anniversary will be held in 1997. The Art Association began in the carriage house behind Tippecanoe Restaurant then moved to the YWCA and then housed in the-Century Center for the past 20 years. She also noted that increased awareness of the programs being offered at the Charles Martin Youth Center has increased participation by the youth. Council President Kelly complimented Ms. Visser and her staff for the outstanding programs. CENTURY CENTER 1996 BUDGETED $2,577,875 1997 REQUESTED $2,726,084 Brian Hedman, the Director of the Century Center and Carmen Piasecki a board member, then joined the Committee. Mr.Hedman noted that the Century Center finance committee had not reviewed the proposed budget prior to today's presentation. He noted that this is an enterprise fund with corporate trade-shows being the major economic component for the Century Center. He highlighted significant energy savings which now reflects a balanced budget. Council Member Pfeifer questioned the catering service and was surprised that the same caterer has been there since 1985. Mr. Hedman did note that a new chef was currently on staff and he would check in to her concerns. He also noted that when Chris Shenkel of the national news media came for the Football Hall of Fame banquet that he specifically noted that that was the best dinner he had ever experienced at a public forum. Mr. Hedman also noted that the current caterer signed a six (6) year contract which provides for significant improvements with the caterer paying a substantial portion of those improvements. In response to a question raised by Citizen Member Cathy Roemer, it was noted that 83% of the business is repeat business for the past five years. Currently the facility has approximately 60,000 square feet of convention space. High school graduation activities and proms also play a significant role in the Century Center.