OCT 21 ROTARY IN REVIEW: Terry Mattson, CEO, Visit Saint Paul
October 21 was a beautiful fall day to be welcomed to the Crowne Plaza by Jon Cieslak and Christian Weinhagen. President-elect Carla Hauge called the meeting to order, announcing that President John was in court celebrating his birthday.
Past President Doug Hartford tickled the keys as Jim Field lead us in song, with the reminder that we start with “Oh. “ Ken Peterson received our commitment to five of Rotary’s pillars (all of which can be found in the Rotarian magazine) and asked a greater power to help us fulfill the good work of Rotary locally and beyond.
We had guests from Club 10 across the River and from Club 14 across State lines (Nebraska). Guests included Nanako Nagaishi, our exchange student from our sister city in Japan.
President–elect Hauge committed to having her children help her to “like” Saint Paul Rotary on FaceBook. Jay Pfaender reminded us that Mayor George Latimer will entertain us next Tuesday, October 28.
Service Above Self is at the heart of Rotary; Past President, and Mark Weber’s Rotary sponsor, Jim Kosmo honored Christian Weinhagen with the Mark Weber Service Award for both his help to family in need and to a fellow Rotarian with a flat tire. These two examples illustrate Christian’s true Rotary spirit. We’re honored to have Christian in Club 10! This award continues to remind us of past Rotarian, Mark Weber.
MARK YOUR CALENDARS: Kristin Monpetit informed us that Thursday, December 4 is our annual Holiday Party and Silent Auction. This year’s celebration will be held on the third floor of the newly restored Athletic Club from 6-9:30. Donations are being sought – with pleas of desperation – for the Silent Auction. Please let Sherry Howe know of any donation item you are willing to contribute.
Michael Hernandez introduced us to the coolest boss in the world, a past Duluth Rotarian, and a man who has over three decades in the tourism industry. Terry Mattson, of Visit Saint Paul, let us know that a strong travel and tourism focus has major economic benefits to the state as a revenue generator for the community. With a “hand and glove co-oper-tintion” with Minneapolis, an $80M investment has returned $800M in economic development.
Visit Saint Paul focuses on leisure travel of the individual, and on Business and Convention travel. Mr. Mattson is new to the St Paul community, and is building on the solid ground work he inherited; he is working to “make the pie bigger." The efforts of Visit Saint Paul add to the statewide and regional interest in attracting people to the area, much like we have seen with South Dakota and Michigan.
Currently the sector is big business, credited with bringing in $12.5 billion statewide, employing 250K people, roughly the equivalent to the benefit of agriculture in our state. 17% of all sales tax is generated by travelers. Not only is it big business, it is cost effective business; for every dollar invested, $84 million in returned to other sectors and the state.
Looking to the future, Mr. Mattson highlighted the excellent work of the River Center and Xcel Energy Center, suggesting that we keep an eye for awards and recognitions which will be forthcoming. He also noted that there has not been a new hotel (midlevel for conventions needs) in Saint Paul for 34 years. With Roy Wilkins costing more for upkeep than it generates, Terry hinted of a future full service Convention Center with 600 rooms close to the River Center with spectacular views overlooking the river.
With more than 30 years of experience, Terry Mattson is working with his team to build upon the wonderful attributes of Saint Paul: the people, lightrail, Saints baseball, the museums, theaters, and the hockey experience available in the state of hockey – to make Saint Paul a destination. Perhaps, even, a destination for those across the river to come see what Saint Paul has to offer!