Issue link: https://digital.copcomm.com/i/1125304
B M & T ••• March/Apri 2019 ••• www.blackmeetingsandtourism.com 7 the national multicultural meetings market. The number of multicultural meetings in Cincinnati has represented more than one-third of all CVB new business in the past decade, resulting in $129 million in economic impact from 2013-2018.. Dunn's work for the CVB, the industry and the local com- munity speak to his own commitment to diversity and inclu- sion, and to forging a vibrant community, according to Calvert. Dunn has served as Chairman of the Southwest Ohio Regional Transit Authority, where he helped the organization improve access to jobs, broaden benefits to employees, and increase accountability and enhance planning. He is the Chairman of Greater Cincinnati Northern Kentucky African American Chamber of Commerce and also chairs the Cincinnati Police Foundation. Among his industry leadership roles, Jason is the Vice Chair of National Coalition of Black Meeting Planners and co-chaired the 107th NAACP National Convention Blue Ribbon Committee. MINNEAPOLIS POLICE DEPARTMENT'S FIRST PRECINCT RECEIVES MEET MINNEAPOLIS 'HOSPITALITY HERO' AWARD Award for Final Quarter of 2018 Presented at Meet Minneapolis Annual Meeting The Minneapolis Police Department's First Precinct has been named the "Hospitality Hero" award winner for the fourth quarter of 2018 by Meet Minneapolis, Convention and Visitors Association. The award is given quarterly to a mem- ber of the Minneapolis hospitality community who has been nominated by their colleagues. This honor is for an individual or organization that has made valuable contributions to the image and culture of Minneapolis through outstanding hospi- tality and service. With a 22 percent reduction in overall crime in the precinct for the year, the officers of the First Precinct have kept visi- tors, residents and downtown workers safer by employing cre- ative new strategies to reduce crime, according to nominator Tim Murray, owner of Murray's Steakhouse. Several of the successful strategies included: partnering with social service agencies to provide effective help for the homeless; working with YouthLink to help youth receive needed services; and establishing a high level of communica- tions with the downtown community by advising safety groups and hosting livability forums. "The Minneapolis Police Department First Precinct works diligently to provide both the visitors and the locals of down- town with the utmost safety," said Murray. The First Precinct also works together with Meet Minneapolis in providing a welcoming environment for visi- tors and convention groups to enjoy downtown Minneapolis. In December, directed patrols kept downtown safe for the 2018 NCAA Women's Volleyball Championships. More than 23,000 college students, coaches and spectators enjoyed events throughout the city, from Target Center and the Minneapolis Convention Center to team pep rallies at several locations. "The officers and leadership of the First Precinct work dili- gently to keep downtown safe and vibrant for all our meetings and convention groups, as well as leisure visitors," said Melvin Tennant, Meet Minneapolis President and CEO. "We couldn't do what we do without their efforts." DETROIT'S COBO CENTER AWARDS NAMING RIGHTS TO CHEMICAL BANK The Most Valuable Naming Rights Deal for a Convention Center to Date Executed at Cobo Center Claude Molinari, general manager of SMG/Cobo Center, recently announced an unprecedented partnership in Detroit. The Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority (DRCFA) has awarded the naming rights of Cobo Center to Chemical Bank, the largest bank headquartered in Michigan. Chemical Bank and the DRCFA will announce the new name of the world-class convention center by the end of 2019, and the name will remain Cobo Center until that time. "This unprecedented naming rights agreement is a great win for all parties. Chemical Bank makes a strong statement of commitment to the region and secured naming rights to a convention center that is growing in notoriety every day," said Molinari. HERE ARE THE HIGHLIGHTS: • Chemical Bank awarded naming rights for one of the nation's leading convention centers and continues legacy of Pictured are: Minneapolis Police Sgt. Rob Illetschko and Lt. William Peterson with Meet Minneapolis President and CEO Melvin Tennant.