Five Flags Civic Center Annual Report 2010Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO: The Honorable Mayor and City Council Members
FROM: Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
SUBJECT: Five Flags Annual Report and Activities Update
DATE: November 30, 2010
Dubuque
AII- AmeticaCity
2007
Leisure Services Manager Marie Ware is transmitting the Annual Report for Five Flags.
Five Flags Manager Joyce White, who is employed by SMG, the private management
company for Five Flags, will make a presentation to the City Council on the update of
activities in the current fiscal year and plans for the future.
MCVM:jh
Attachment
cc: Barry Lindahl, City Attorney
Cindy Steinhauser, Assistant City Manager
Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manager
Joyce White, Five Flags Manager
Michael C. Van Milligen
Masterpiece on the Mississippi
TO:
FROM:
SUBJECT:
DATE:
INTRODUCTION
The purpose of this memorandum is to request the opportunity for SMG to make a
presentation to the City Council that is the Annual Report FY 2010 and updates of
activities in the current fiscal year and plans for the future.
BACKGROUND
Michael C. Van Milligen, City Manager
Marie L. Ware, Leisure Services Manager
Five Flags Annual Report and Activities Update
November 30, 2010
Dubuque
NWlmedcaCity
'
2007
SMG was hired as the private management company for Five Flags in 2004. Effective
in 2009, the contract was extended for another five years. Each year the SMG manager
shares the Annual Report with the Council. I have asked Joyce White, SMG's Manager,
to present to the Council activities in FY 2011 to date and plans for the future.
I get to work with the Five Flags staff and am proud of all of their efforts to create a new
business model that replaces the ice events and activities. They have developed
several first -class marketing pieces and have reached out and partnered with new
events and activities that she will share.
On top of this, we recently celebrated the 100th Anniversary of the Five Flags Theater.
The improvements to the lobby have been welcomed by attendees of the Theater's
events, especially the Symphony.
After hearing Joyce's presentation, I think you will agree the future of Five Flags is
bright.
ACTION REQUESTED
No action necessary.
MLW:jIr
copy Joyce White
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FIVE FLAGS
CENTER
YEAR (PLUS) IN REVIEW
JULY 1, 2009 — DECEMBER 31, 2010
Five Flags Civic Center, 405 Main Street
Dubuque, Iowa 52001
"If it's important,
it's at Five Flags;
if it's at Five Flags,
it's important."
Worldwide Entertainment and
Convention Venue Management
v vv
500,000
(1,000,000)
(2,000,000)
Projected
2
3
❑ REVENUE
477,869
391,898
242,320
M EXPENSES
(1,243,276)
(1,160,089)
(1,022,413)
1
2
3
❑ Budgeted
781,882
781,882
797,520
❑ Actual
765,407
768,191
780,093
2010 -2011 YEAR IN REVIEW
For the purpose of this report, financial data reflects information from the FY11 Operating Budget -
Event Activity reflects activity and programming from July, 2009 — December 2010
Five Flags Civic Center, Dubuque's oldest convention center, arena,
and performing arts center, opened in 1979 and is located at 405
Main Street. The addition of the convention and meeting space
and arena to the iconic and historic Five Flags Theatre has provided
a city block of vibrant activity to generations of Dubuque residents.
The arena provides flexibly configured seating arrangements to
bring a variety of sporting events, concerts, social events, meetings
and conventions to Dubuque.
Owned by the City of Dubuque, Five Flags Civic Center is obliged to
grow economic activity and provide community infrastructure for
future generations. In 2004, the City hired SMG, the world leader
in venue management, marketing and development to manage the
facility. Dubuque City Council awarded SMG a five -year extension
on the management contract, effective July 1, 2009.
During FY 09 and 10, the operating subsidy — which is tied to the CPI
All Urban, remained flat at $781,882. Subsidy for FY11 increased by
2% to $797,520. Both "actual" revenue and expenses have declined
for 2009 and 2010; both are "projected" to decline in 2011. Due to
the decrease in ice revenue and a flat subsidy, management has
decreased Five Flags management staff by 20% over the past year.
FY09
FY09
SUBSIDY
FY10
REVENUE / EXPENSES
FY10
FY11
FIVE FLAGS
CENTER
FY11
(1,000,000)
(2,000,000)
1
2
3
❑ REVENUE
477,869
391,898
242,320
M EXPENSES
(1,243,276)
(1,160,089)
(1,022,413)
2010 -2011 YEAR IN REVIEW
For the purpose of this report, financial data reflects information from the FY11 Operating Budget -
Event Activity reflects activity and programming from July, 2009 — December 2010
Five Flags Civic Center, Dubuque's oldest convention center, arena,
and performing arts center, opened in 1979 and is located at 405
Main Street. The addition of the convention and meeting space
and arena to the iconic and historic Five Flags Theatre has provided
a city block of vibrant activity to generations of Dubuque residents.
The arena provides flexibly configured seating arrangements to
bring a variety of sporting events, concerts, social events, meetings
and conventions to Dubuque.
Owned by the City of Dubuque, Five Flags Civic Center is obliged to
grow economic activity and provide community infrastructure for
future generations. In 2004, the City hired SMG, the world leader
in venue management, marketing and development to manage the
facility. Dubuque City Council awarded SMG a five -year extension
on the management contract, effective July 1, 2009.
During FY 09 and 10, the operating subsidy — which is tied to the CPI
All Urban, remained flat at $781,882. Subsidy for FY11 increased by
2% to $797,520. Both "actual" revenue and expenses have declined
for 2009 and 2010; both are "projected" to decline in 2011. Due to
the decrease in ice revenue and a flat subsidy, management has
decreased Five Flags management staff by 20% over the past year.
FY09
FY09
SUBSIDY
FY10
REVENUE / EXPENSES
FY10
FY11
FIVE FLAGS
CENTER
FY11
Five Flags Management
Joyce White is in her fifth year as General
Manager of Five Flags Civic Center - and nearing
the ten year mark as an SMG manager. Prior
experience in venue and event management
includes five years at the Carlson Center,
Fairbanks, Alaska and 10 years with the
University of Arkansas Razorback Athletic
Department.
'
FIVE FLAGS
CENTER
Don Howes, Accounting /HR Manager Dan Holtkamp, Technical Director
Ali Levasseur, Marketing Coordinator Ron Swift, Set -up Supervisor
_ f
Bob Richardson, Maintenance Supervisor Alyson Tasker, Box Office Manager
Not Pictured: John Richardson, Operations Manager
July, 2009 — December, 2010 Notable Events
THE ONE. THE ONLY. THE ORIGINAI
Events of all types are hosted at the Five Flags Center:
National Touring Shows
Artie Shaw Orchestra
Of Mice and Men (A Barter Theater Production)
Bill Gaither's Homecoming Tour
Lee Greenwood, A Tennessee Christmas
Joel McHale Comedy Show
Sesame Street
Playhouse Disney Live
DSO — "Abbamania"
Lord of the Dance
Cats
Michael Feldman's "Whad'Ya Know"
US Navy Band Jazz Ensemble
Mannheim Steamroller
John Berry Christmas
Bixby's Rainforest Rescue
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FIVE FLAGS
CENTER
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2009 — 2010 Notable Events
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Sports Programming
National
TNA Wrestling
AMP Live - Monster Trucks
Dubuque Fighting Saints Tryout Camp
Regional
Bull Riding Championships
Thunderbird Ice Hockey
Mixed Martial Arts, Pinnacle Combat 5
World Wrestling Camp
Loras Open Wrestling Tournament
All Iowa Open Dance and Cheer Competition
Iowa Winter Games
Iowa Special Olympics
Illinois Special Olympics
Local
Dubuque Youth Hockey
Eastern Iowa Roller Derby League
Ice User Groups (Adult, Fossils, Over 30)
Public Skate Programs
FIVE FLAGS
CENTER
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SATURDAY, OCT. 16
DUBUQUE, IA
2009 — 2010 Events (continued)
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FIVE FLAGS
CENTER
Community and Other Events
Fly -By -Night Productions
Dubuque Kennel Club
Melanie Mausser Devaney in Concert
Dubuque Symphony Orchestra
Jim McDonough's Holiday Grande
Living Last Supper
Wahlert High School Musical
Hempstead Variety Show
Dubuque Public Schools Graduation
Night Storm Teen Dance Club
Rising Star Productions "Seussical Junior"
The 3 Magicians
X -Treme Dance Recital
Studio 5 -6 -7 -8 Dance Recital
Meetings and Conventions
After nearly a seven -year hiatus, Five
Flags Center has re- emerged as a
player in the meetings and
conventions business. Management
has designed new collateral pieces
and submitted RFP's on a variety of
new business. Five Flags is proud to
have offered meeting and /or vendor
space to the following organizations:
FIVE FLAGS
CENTER
IBM
Prudential
Blue Star Productions
Tri -State Veterans
Uncommon Holiday Show and Market
Big Boy Toy Show (Jan., 2011)
Iowa Recycling and Waste
Management (Oct., 2011)
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Five Flags Theater Celebrates 100th Anniversary
On November 16, 2010, Five Flags Theatre celebrated its
100th anniversary with a Chamber of Commerce ribbon
cutting and plaque presentation held in the theatre lobby.
A brief history of the theater's life was presented by Rod
Bakke, 25 year plus member of the Five Flags Civic Center
Commission. Bryce Parks, current Commission Chair,
recognized various dignitaries, anchor tenants, past
Commission members; and, particular recognition was given
to member's of family members of the committee formed in
1970 that were responsible for saving the Five Flags Theater
from the wrecking ball. Dan LoBianco, Executive Director for
Main Street Dubuque, indicated that the 1970 committee's
work was the beginning of Dubuque's efforts to historical
preservation.
Ali Levasseur, Marketing Coordinator for Five Flags, co- chaired
the "Anniversary Celebration" committee and provided
oversight regarding recent upgrades made to the theater
lobby including restoring and displaying Frank Liccardi 's
"Cellist ", shadow boxes for memorabilia, new lobby drapes
and window seat pads. Phase 11 will seek funding to provide a
customized period bar, coat closet, and a digitized DVD
pictorial history.
FIVE FLAGS
CENTER
Community Relations
FIVE FLAGS
CENTER
SMG management understands the Civic Center's role to facilitate various groups and non - profit organization and assist them in their
contributions to individuals and the community at large. Five Flags participated in this effort by providing complimentary tickets,
program ads, golf hole sponsorships, venue usage, etc. for fundraising efforts for a numerous organizations including those listed below:
• Dubuque Humane Society
• Riverview Center
• Mercy Festival of Trees
• Irish Hooley
• Hempstead
• Images & Information Breast Cancer Awareness Fundraiser
• DuRide
• Dubuque Arts Council
• Loras College
• Dubuque Main Street
• Make -A -Wish Foundation
• Project Concern
• Dubuque Museum of Art
• Iowa Donor Network
• Dubuque Youth Hockey Association
• Dubuque Devil's Hockey Team
• Various meetings for the City of Dubuque, Boards, and Commissions
Staff Participated Various Boards and Organizations including:
• Rotary Club of Dubuque
• Greater Chamber of Commerce (Dubuque Ambassadors,
— Sports Commission, CVB Board, and Pittsburg Sister City Visitation)
• Dubuque Jaycees
• Dubuque Main Street Board
• Tri- States Human Resources Association
• Leadership Dubuque Alumni Network
• National American Legion
• Dubuque County Fine Arts Society, DubuqueFest, Voices from the Warehouse