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December 3, 2009 - LeBarron named Executive Director at Bemidji Regional Event Center
For Immediate Release: Dec. 3, 2009
Contact: Tammy Koolbeck 319-929-5755
Robert LeBarron has been named Executive Director for the Bemidji Regional Events Center (BREC), VenuWorks President Steve Peters announced. VenuWorks of Ames, Iowa, manages the BREC.
The BREC is currently under construction. Ground was broken in April 2009. It is scheduled to be completed in Fall 2010. It includes a convention center and arena. The arena will seat approximately 4,000 for hockey and 6,000 for concerts and will host Bemidji State's NCAA Division I men's and women's hockey teams.
"We had numerous outstanding candidates to choose from and Robert's experience stood out," Peters said.
"As we open this facility, we believe VenuWorks and Robert will provide leadership in enhancing the City's investment and maximizing revenues," said John Chattin, Bemidji City Manager. "Robert brings extensive ice operations experience and has worked in university settings throughout his career."
LeBarron is well versed with ice operations. He was general manager of the William D. Mullins Center and Ice Rink at the University of Massachusetts and the Whittemore Center Arena at the University of New Hampshire. He also was box office manager at the Colorado Springs World Arena, home rink for Colorado College. His most recent position was associate director of the San Jose State University Event Center.
"I'm thrilled to be joining the VenuWorks team and eager to get started in Bemidji," LeBarron said. "The BREC is an impressive project and I'm looking forward to opening a wonderful facility for the City of Bemidji and the North Country in October 2010."
LeBarron is a graduate of St. Thomas (Fla.) University. He is a Certified Facilities Executive and graduate of IAAM Public Facilities Management School at Oglebay.
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, serves 33 facilities in 17 communities in 11 states. It also manages food and beverage operations and provides event booking and promotion services. VenuWorks also performs feasibility studies and consulting work for clients with existing and prospective public assembly facilities.
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