HomeMy WebLinkAboutLTC 156-2002
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CITY OF MIAMI BEACH
Office of the City Man~r
Letter to Commission No. ~ .2tJ/JZ
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From:
Mayor David Dermer and
Members of the City Commission
Jorge M. Gonzalez \ ' lfrt(""
City Manager U ""'v U
SMG NEWSLETTER
Date: June 28, 2002
To:
Subject:
Attached please find the most recent edition of the SMG corporate newsletter. If you have
any questions, please contact me.
JMG\~\rar
F:\CMGR\$ALLlRAR\L TC\SMG Spring 2002 newsletter,doc
Security Task Force Initiated
Venues throughout North ,;merica hav8
faced tough challenges in light cf the
recent terrorist acts on p,meric2.. The
major concern ror '/enue manager::; and
operators is the 3afet~/ of their patrons,
in response. SI\,lG implemented 38curity
measures immediately after the attac!-<s,
In addition. Si'vlG has engaged Kroll inc..
to provice additional security and safety
o'/ersight information for all S:VIG-run
facilities,
Si'"IG CEO Wes Westley stated. ",.:l,s a
result of the need for increased safety
and security at cur public assembly fa-
cilities, SMG has undertaken a thorough
review of its facilities and practices. The
engagement of Kroll was an additional
step to assure that SMG facilities are
equipped with the best information."
KIOII is a glebal risk consulting company.
specializing in investigative. intelligence
and security serfices 2nd is a major as-
set in protecting resources end building
company value by mitigating the risks of
doing business, Kroil helcs companies,
and individuals alike, control and deal
with the growing risks associated with
business alliances, new market entry,
and electronic terrorism - as weil as
mere "traditional" problems such as
white collar crime, business disputes,
technological disruptions. intellectual
property theft and 'Jiolence.
SiV1G is also instituting a task force on
security, Senior members from each of
SiVIG's divisions will head up this task
force along 'Nith :-<1011 executives, As
always, all facilities will stay in close
contact with their !ocal and federal
authorities.
SiVlG-iVlana<:;ed Louisianna Superdome,
Heme of Superbcwl XXXVI
"In times such as these, it is 'Iery
importam that all 5/1;/G facihties
maimain a vigilant approach ~c
help assure the safety and security
of cur guesrs and employees,
5,\;/G is dedicated to rhe end.'
- 5MG CEO Wes 'Nes;!ey
DUring the SlvlG Annual iVleeting in San
Francisco in early 2002. S:VIG gave more
~r,an 170 venue personnel a hands-en
security lessen as it conducted simulated
attacks 2\ the Oakland Coliseum ,..l..iena,
The managers were split into tear:;s !o
search the fadity fer security threats,
These staged threats included: explo-
sives taped behind pipes. people water-
ing fake plants and beeping noises
coming from stacked boxes,
The exercises ended with a staged ex-
piosion to distract the onlookers ,0 see
how quickly an attack couid occur,
in addition to these exercises in Oaklanc
Kroll has visited several Si'vlG venues
trying to 'gain entry' into the facilities,
Kroll officials said the '/enues were
"extremely secure",
Jkake' care your
'ca're"of yootc~st6n;~rs;>'
Emphasize individual accountability with
all employees.' "';
Set the example.
Business Conduct
Read and understand our policy;
Always adhere to the highest standards of
business practices;
Champion ethics and integrity.
Please forward any comments, photos, or
newsworthy items for inclusion in the next
edition of the newsletter to Jim Graham:
Telephone: 215-592-6655
e-mail: jgraham@smgworld.com
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Quality Customer Service Is Recognized
The results of a national "myster; shopper" program shows that Si',lG managE
sports/entertainment facilities consistently rank above the national ::.'/8r2ge in
providing quality customer service to their patrons.
The national ivlystery Shopper Research Project was conducted by [he S~crt
i\,lanagement Research institute (Si\IRI), a market research consdt:r.g firm.
specializing in the business or Sport and entertainment. Both qualitative and
quantitative research methodologies were utilized to fccus on areas that are
important to a consumer when they visit an entertainment venue, The pr::ject
included an evaluation and comparison of the service quality of ail venue ;;fror.~
of house" operations inoluding ticketing, concessions, parking, house:<:eepir.g,
signage, merchandise and cther patron serl/ices,
"Based on a comparison with cur national database of ratings, SMG's
venues consistently rated higher in all categories relative to delivering the
proper /e'/e! of service to patrons," stated Or, Kathleen Oa'/is
Executive Director of S,'vlR/.
SlvlG CEO liVes Westley stated. "I am very pleased with resuits of the researc:
conducted by S~J1RI. We as a company are committed to setting the standard~
for service excellence in our industry,"
Sfl;lG's Glenn ivlon, Senior 'lice President for Stadiums and Arenas, added. "I
believe the results are a testament to our commitment to our clients and our
facilities. We manage events from the patron's perspective, from the time ~hey
leave home to the time they return home, Every point in between needs to be
analyzed and managed to insure our patrons have an enjoyable experience."
Expanding into the Pocono's with Mountain Laurel
SlvlG has been chosen to manage the ivlountain
Laurel Center for the ?erforming Arts, in the
beautiful Pocono Mountain Region of Pennsylvania.
The existing buildings, on this 675-acre property,
are designated historical landmarks and include:
The Bcathouse with cabaret style seating for 500,
the 5,500 sq. ft. Cultural ,Arts Center and Benefac-
tors Building and a 1,200 seat Theater, The Tom
Ridge Pavilion, which will provide seating for 10,000, is currently under con-
structicn, (see artist's rendering of the stage area in above photo).
.t.\s a not-for-profit corporation, the primary function of the Center is to support
and contribute to the cultural and educational life of the region,
In addition to bonds being issued. $16.4 million in governmental grants from the
Commonwealth of Pennsylvania have been committed and $3.0 million of
private contributions will be used to fund the $26.6 million project.
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Boardwalk Hall Concerts Open on the Right "Notes"
The ne'Nly renovated Atlantic City Boardwalk Hall 'Nrapped up its grand-ocening
season with a stellar seven day finale which drew more than 35,000 people :0 tt-,8
facility. The festivities culminated in twc scld out concerts and the most successful
week of the Boardwalk Bullies inaugural season. Originally built in 1929, the Board-
walk Hall recently underNent a '590 million renovatien to transform the building into
a state-of-the-art entertainment arena.
On Saturday, December 1, enthusiastic fans packed the hail to rcck with f:oo
superstar Britney Spears, Following the ccncert, the Hall underNent a swift
changeover for Boardwalk Bullies to host "Kids Day" on the concourse ar;d their
game against the Trenton Titans en Sunday, On Wednesday, the Bullies faced the
Peoria Rivermen in the Hall and on Saturday, Boardwalk Hall switched gears again
to host an elegant evening with, Italian classical musician and vocalist f\r.drea
Bocelli in his only concert appearance in the area.
"What a great venue! ,A,tlantic City is its own regional market! We look rorNard
to bringing other Evolution acts to the facility," said David Zedeck of Evolution
Talent, who represents Britney Spears. "Our local market responded with great
=nthusiasm during the course of the renovations to Boardwalk Hall. I'JO\N that the building is up and running, the
:ommunity is showing its support though ticket sales," continued Senator IJVilliam Gormley. "The first-rate special
:Nents arena that Boardwalk Hall has become is undoubtedly an asset to the region."
"Ne had a marvelous show in Atlantic City, lJ'lith the renovations to Bcardwalk ~all, the acoustics were perfect and the
Juilding looked beautiful," said Frank Gelb, of Gelb Promotions Inc., which promoted the Andrea Bocelli concert a~ the
:-1all. "This is the only venue on the tour in which Andrea added two songs, he did this because he felt the war:-r.tn from
:he audience; he felt the reception and applause, I believe in this market and I'm contemplating coming back with two
)ther acts in 2002,"
Pyramid Celebrates Tenth Anniversary
In celebration of the Pyramid's 1 Gth anniversary season, the arena hosted an astounding 41 events in 37 days 'Nelcor'T1-
ing over 300,000 guests to the newly updated arena. The Pyramid also joined the NBA family as the Grizzlies ;,icked
off their inaugural season in their ne'IV home and the University of rvlemphis Basketball Team began their 2001-2002
collegiate basketball schedule at the facility.
The Pyramid's anni'fersary festivities offered entertainment options for everyone ranging from family shows such as
Sesame Street Live and Ringling Bros./8arnum and Bailey Circus to concert performances by Ozzy Osborne. Sade,
,A,erosmith and the Gaither Family Reunion Clospel Show. The Pyramid and the Memphis Cook Convention Center also
10sted a full week of meetings and serfices for the annual International Convocation of the Church of God in Christ.
,:i,lan Freeman, General Manager at The Pyramid, remarks, "From its unique architecture to the variety of events
presented at the arena, The Pyramid has truly become a source of pride for the citizens of Nlemphis and the entire
mid-south region. Recent impro'fements to both tenant and patron facilities will further enhance the solid reputation
of the arena." Mike Golub, Senior v.P. cf Business Operations for the ~/lemphis Grizzlies added "The Grizzlies
are pleased to call ~/lemphis and the Pyramid home. Thanks to the Pyramid staff and SiV1G our transition has been
seamless and extremely successful and already the Pyramid has become one of the most lively and entertaining
arenas in the NBA."
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Extreme Sports Park Brings New Opportunity
RYE Airfield is the largest Extreme Sports Park, Camp and Training
Center on the East Coast. Currently being developed by New England
Sports Complex Inc. in Rye, i'lew Hampshire, this privately funded,
state-of-the-art, year round facility, will feature: ,
. 50,000 sq, It. indcor skatepark with adjacent 13,000 sq. ft.
cutdoor hardscape
II 25,000 sq, ft. freestyle dirt jump area
D 1 ,300 feot long Bp,lX "super" race track sanctioned by the
~,Iational Bicycle League (NBL),
Designed and buiit by the I\IBL, this international caliber outdeor track
will r.elp set the standard for America's training and racing facilities.
"Extreme soorts have entersc a new dimensicn." said Wes 'Nestley,
"Si'vIG and RYE Airfield represent a perfect partnership. i'IESC's \/islon-
ary develcpment and SI\,IG's unique expertise with extreme sports.
from eur work with the Gravity Games at our facility in Providence,
Rhode Is!and make this a powerful combination."
John Rickert. President and CEO of NESe stated, "Considering
S/vlG's enthusiasm for this project, the creativity of their
management approach, as well as their knowledge of the market,
significant corporate resources and support. they are an ideal
partner for this project."
"SrvIG is always looking for ways to compliment our core business."
.A.dds Glenn Pilon, SMG Senior Vice President. "This is a new venture
for Sjl/IG in a cutting edge, evolving industry."
Hockey Boards Donated
Prime-Site Awards
SrviG of Alaska, Inc., on behalf of
:he iVlunicipality of Anchorage. has
dcnated Sullivan .A.rena's surplus
dasher boards to the Cityo! Homer.
The new boards are a welcome
addition to the hockey community
in /-\Iaska, and will help complete a
!ccal ice rink project which will give
the Homer High School Hcckey
[earn their own rink for home
-:;James to be played.
"The city of Anchorage is \fer;
pleased to be able to share a re-
source such as this and in part
contribute to the success of
Homer's sports programs." said
Anchorage Mayor George Wuerch,
'Nho authorized the donation.
Facilities and Event j\,lanagement
magazine salutes the sports and
entertainment venues in i'iorth
America that are a cut above.
Prime Site Awards are based on
the opinions of those in the industr;
directly involved with site selection
Le, promoters, booking agents and
event planners. Congratulations to
the following SMG managed
facilities that were 2001 winners,
. National Car Rental Center
. AlItel Arena
. Nationwide Arena
. Van Andel Arena
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Her~~age Theater"Ff?"i," S; Swdnder ice Rink~' '.,.
Hershey C~nt~; /' eT~le~est Arena~",;,;" ".:'
Hilton G,ohseum ",.'terrace Theater ".. '
Huntingt~~ Civic Ar;na The Arena at Oakland ,. '/'
I Ice Palace Arena Th C C t f th"
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I Jackie GleasoJ1 Theater Performing Arts
I JacksonVille Veterans T'h' G 'Of A h'
Memorial Coliseum 'c, e rove na elm
I Jacksonville Wolfson Park The National Trade Centre
I Kansas Expocentre The Pyramid Arena
i Knoxville Convention Center Times'Union Center for the
i London Arena Performing Arts
I Long Beach Aquarium of Van Andel Arena
'I the Pacific Verizon Wireless Arena
Long Beach Convention Center Victory Theater
j Long Beach Sports Arena Wendler Arena
I Louisiana Superdome Wildwoods Convention Cen
I Mahalia Jackson Theater William A, Egan Civic and
I Manchester Evening News Arena Convention Center
! Meadowlands Expo Center William 0, Mullins Center
I Mellon Arena Worcester Centrum Center
Memphis Cook Conv. Center
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