Minutes Five Flags 9 16 02Five Flags Commission Meeting
September 16, 2002
PRESENT: Rod Bakke, Gary Dolphin, Cindy Fuller, Mark Nauman
ABSENT: Mike Brannon
STAFF PRESENT: Gall McMahon, Gil Spence, Paula Wolfe
The Commission meeting convened at 4:35 p.m. in the Manager's Office at Five Flags
Center. Chairperson Mark Nauman presided.
Cindy Fuller moved to approve the August 19, 2002 Five Flags Commission Minutes,
seconded by Rod Bakke. Minutes were approved.
Manager Wolfe reported that the Collin Raye concerf scheduled for September 27 was
cancelled due to Iow ticket sales. There are currently several other shows on sale:
Rodney Carrington (October 12), Tamburitzans (October 19). There has been a lot of
interest in Red Green who will be performing November 30 in conjunction with Memy
Medical Center's Festival of Trees. A lot of marketing has been taking place. Designing
ads for on sale dates, visitor of guide for the city of Dubuque
September events having been held to date include Iowa State Feis on September 7.
This was a new event with a very good turnout and concessions. In addition, the Army
Corps of Engineers Upper Mississippi Comprehensive Study Open House was held in
the ballroom September 12 and American Classic Woman of the Year was September
13 & 14, in the theater. American Classic Woman of the Year featured 15 contestants
and had an attendance of 77. Upcoming September events include the Youth Hockey
Swap Meet and City meetings. The ice is almost ready, as it is in the final curing stage.
The Thunderbirds will hold their first practice on September 17.
Manager Wolfe reported that the City of Dubuque is putting together customer service
training for its employees, and that she is currently serving on the planning committee.
Customer service surveys have been distributed to employees to gather input on
customer service needs. A front of house meeting will be held September 30 to train
new house managers and discuss the upcoming event season.
Staffing of a building attendant when the arena is being used during non-business hours
will begin next week. Discussion arose the regarding possibility of some type of gate to
close off stairs during non-business hours to eliminate the need for the building
attendant. Gil Spence said this idea would be discussed further when preparing for the
Capital Improvement Project budget.
Paula, Gil, Mike Van Milligen and Terry Duggan all participated in the Thunderbirds gol[
outing on September 13. The first home game for the Thunderbirds will be Sunday,
October 6.
Five Flags Commission Meeting
September 16, 2002
Page 2
August financials were reviewed. Event revenue was very limited due to the arena being
closed for painting. There were four revenue-generating events during the month. There
were no events featuring concessions in August. The first concessions-generating event
was the Irish Feis on September 7, with generated approximately $4,000 in
concessions. The event season will soon be in full swing with December and March
being Five Flags' busiest months.
Upcoming October events:
4 & 5 - National Alliance for Mental Illness Play
5 - University of Dubuque Homecoming
6, 7, 18, 19, 20 -Thunderbirds Hockey
12 - Rodney Cardngton
12 & 13 - Symphony
15 - Cartegraph
19 - Tamburitzans
26 - Craft Show
26,27, 30, 31 - Dracula
Upcoming November events:
I - Faces and Voices, Gaelic Storm
7 - George Carden Circus
8 - Tri-State Main Street Conference
8, 9, 15, 16, 23, 24-Thunderbirds Hockey
16 & 17 - Dubuque Symphony Orchestra
23 - Mad Cap Puppet Theatre
26 & 27 - Sesame Street Live
30 - Red Green Live
Old Business. The Thunderbirds contract has been signed. Thirty-three applicants
passed the civil service exam for the Events Coordinator position. Their resumes are
currently being reviewed and candidates will be narrowed to around six for interviews.
New Business. Events brochures are currently in pdnt at Union-Hoermann.
Approximately 6000 brochures will be mailed to homes the last week of September. The
brochures will serve as great marketing tool in addition to radio, television and print
advertisements.
Gary Dolphin moved to adjourn the meeting, seconded by Cindy Fuller. There being no
further business, the meeting was adjourned at 5:04 p.m.
Respectfully submitted,
Mark Nauman
Chairperson