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January 23, 2009 - VenuWorks terminates Fairfield Arts & Convention Center management contract

For Immediate Release:                                                          January 23, 2009

Contact:  Steve Peters                                                                515-232-5151

 

AMES, Iowa - VenuWorks gave notice Tuesday  that it will end its agreement to manage the Fairfield Arts and Convention Center in Fairfield, Iowa, effective Jan. 31.  Venuworks, based in Ames, Iowa, was hired to manage the facility in July 2008.  The company's onsite executive director, Brendon Wagner, has been transferred from his FACC position as of January 19 to another VenuWorks managed facility in Davenport, Iowa.

 

"The generosity of the Fairfield community is extraordinary," VenuWorks President Steve Peters said. "I know of no other community that has undertaken such an ambitious project without some sort of ongoing governmental or tax support.  I applaud their vision."

 

The Fairfield Arts and Convention Center opened its doors on Oct. 1, 2007. 

 

Peters pointed out several operational improvements made at the FACC over the past six months, including: instituting new accounting, contracting and event management procedures; adopting a 2009 business plan; and implementing new standards for cleaning and maintenance.

 

VenuWorks executive Sharon Cummins assured the FACC Board, at its Tuesday evening meeting, that the company will do everything possible to make the transition a smooth one, with no interruption of FACC operations.  Cummins is serving as acting executive director through the end of January.

 

"We have a punch list of tasks that have to be accomplished when we take on a new operation," Cummins said.  "These same tasks will apply as we hand the operation back to the Board.  We also will be available to answer questions and offer advice beyond the term of our contract."

 

Peters said that under direct Board management, the FACC will be able to build on the solid operational systems initiated since July, and do so without the added expense of a management fee.

 

"They have accomplished an incredible feat already," Peters said.  "I am confident that the FACC Board will be successful in the ongoing long term operation of the Center."

 

 

BACKGROUND

VenuWorks is well known for its success in providing full management services for arenas, theaters, and convention centers, which are primarily under the governance of municipalities, counties, colleges, and universities.  VenuWorks, headquartered in Ames, Iowa, manages thirty venues in eleven states throughout the US.  It also manages food and beverage operations and provides event booking and promotion services.  VenuWorks consulting division performs feasibility studies and consulting work for clients with existing and prospective public assembly facilities in North and South America.