I could only shake my head in wonder with the news of the MetroCentre needing mo'money... http://www.rrstar.com/communities/x718262375/Request-to-City-Council-for-MetroCentre-loan-laid-over?popular=true And,of course,the newspaper story makes a few too many excuses for the situation in defense of LarryBoy.... Thing is,this is about the third time we've heard "just this ONE time,really,from now on we will be self-supporting"... the whole situation just reeks of spoiled-kid spending,underhanded manipulation and 'keep it quiet till after the election'.... Didja see LarryBoy making excuses at council during his officers' report? Corey recited the AME script... http://www.wifr.com/home/headlines/43322762.html
Quote:"The economy is a really big part of that right now so we're hoping to get through that,” said Pearson during a Rockford City Council meeting.... Pearson says an eight-month delay in construction of Corporate Suites and an absence in naming rights have put the MetroCentre in a hole...“They have a lot to gain from this as well. We bring a lot of people downtown so we work very close with the city,” said Pearson. He says going to the city was a last resort since he's already reduced his staff from 38 employees to 18 and combined businesses to fill vacant suites. "We’re doing more partnerships than we anticipated. It seems to be working well; it just takes longer when you have two to three people that you’re trying to put together," Pearson said..... Pearson says although financial times are tough, the MetroCentre has seen a nearly 70 percent increase in attendance since the renovations began.EERIE,huh....see one thing obvious to me with LarryBoy's history of STATS..."nearly 70 percent increase in attendance..."and the sell-outs also mentioned are meaningless....ATTENDANCE does not mean they COVERED THEIR COSTS.... Between the BONDS(bad for roads,good for hockey),the overpriced parking lot and the LAST time they needed loan, seems we've got our OWN CitiBank or something,just too big to fail... it would just be nice if LarryBoy was just more upfront and honest about the entire situation....(t least one report attempts to tell it like it is... http://www.wrex.com/global/story.asp?s=10217889
Quote:ROCKFORD (WREX) -- Despite claims that a $20 million MetroCentre renovation would eliminate the need for operating subsidies, the city considers a $600,000 loan to the downtown sports arena....Although Pearson said he has been working on the loan for six months, most aldermen were informed only this afternoon. The agenda item given for the MetroCentre loan - required by law - was two words: "Financial Discussion."And LarryBoy said..." "They have significant short term needs," he told the City Council Monday night." and HIS SIGNIFICANT SHORT TERM NEED was to keep this quiet before the election....taxpayers couldn't be reminded how that remodel/hockey deal was SHOVED DOWN THEIR THROATS.... Check THIS...http://www.metrocentre.com/corporate/staff/
Quote:Corey Pearson General Manager Brian Luther Assistant General Manager Doug Mark Vice President of Corporate Sales and Premium Seating Erin Jenkins Executive Assistant Susan Campbell Director of Operations Brian McMahon Director of Finance Matt Mohr Director of Marketing and Sales John Gilbery Operations Manager Elizabeth Grans Event Manager Samantha Henwood Video Services Manager Jena Keith Box Office Manager Dave Lape Guest Services Manager Kathryn Wade Marketing and Sales Manager Michele Crew Assistant Box Office Manager Matt Bechtol Operations Supervisor and Ice Technician Jerry Sofran Building Engineer Supervisor Sandra Swain Maintenance Supervisor Patty DiMario Receptionist Carol Gulley Payroll Specialist Chris Smith Accounts Payable Clerk looks like a very top-heavy bureacracy,huh? I think it's too bad that there won't be the ENOUGH resistance to this plan,(quite sure it's a done deal)but wish Council could grow a SPINE...give the money,get rid of management... (Those who forget the past are doomed.....)