ALEXIS BERGGREN SELECTED NEW CEO OF “VISIT EVANSVILLE”
 ALEXIS BERGGREN SELECTED THE NEW CEO OF “VISIT EVANSVILLE”
UPDATED-12-21-21
The City-County Observer was just informed by several reliable sources that the current General Manager Of Old National Events Plaza was just selected to be offered the position of CEO of The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Convention & Vistors Bureau, Inc. by the organization’s Board Of Directors.
We have been told that Ms. Berggren has been offered the position and has accepted it earlier today. The final hurdle for Ms. Berggren to be officially hired as the next CEO of the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Convention & Vistors Bureau, Inc is for her to sign her employment contract with the organization.
Our sources also told us that Ms. Berggen’s proposed employment contract will state that this position will be compensated at a lesser pay scale level than the outgoing CEO of the Evansville-Vanderburgh County Convention & Vistors Bureau, Inc Jim Wood who decided not to renew his employment contract for the coming year.
CALLED SPECIAL MEETING
We just got notice that The Evansville-Vanderburgh County Convention & Vistors Bureau, Inc. has called a SPECIAL MEETING on Thursday, December 23rd, 2021 at 4:45 pm at the “VISIT EVANSVILLE” office at 20 NW Third St., Suite 410, Evansville, In. 47708
This is a developing story.
ATTACHED BELOW IS THE PROFILE OF THE NEWLY SELECTED CEO OF “VISIT EVANSVILLE” ALEXIS BERGGREN THAT THE CITY-COUNTY OBSERVER WROTE ABOUT HER SEVERAL MONTHS AGO
Long before she arrived in Evansville, Berggren was managing high-profile events and venue operations for convention centers, arenas, and theatres across the country.
Berggren started her career in the Midwest, spending four years in operations at an organization dedicated to promoting the performing arts in Lincoln, Nebraska. That experience quickly led to the Mid-America Center in Iowa and then the Oregon Convention Center, holding roles in operations and event services management.
Hollywood’s Dolby Theater attracted Berggren’s talents next, positioning her in leading production roles for events like the Oscars, America’s Got Talent and other key accounts. She then moved to New Orleans, directing event services for the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center, where ASM Global (formerly SMG) executives recruited her for the general manager position she’s held in Evansville since 2017.
As newly appointed General Manager of Old National Events Plaza, Berggren began by pursuing feedback from key stakeholders and clients and quickly identified opportunities where the convention center could improve services and quality. One immediate goal was to offer more flexibility in terms and packaging by working directly with customers and staff to ensure the venue was meeting their individual needs. Another objective was to work towards diversifying local entertainment, booking a wider variety of performers and events for Evansville’s audiences. In addition, the increasing demand and activity at the venue called for some internal assessment and restructuring within each department, ensuring the team could fully support clientele and achieve the highest service standards. As a result, The Plaza has been successful in attracting worldwide talent to Evansville, complimenting the outstanding home-grown staff with new team members from as far as Arizona and Costa Rica.
In Berggren’s first year, she and her team outlined a five-year plan wherein the venue would work toward revenue neutrality, and by the end of 2018, the facility had performed 30% ahead of expectations. In 2019, the team continued to increase the number of events and attendance within the facility, and going into 2020, they had forecasted tremendous gains towards their goals.
The pandemic posed a new challenge for Berggren and her team as they responded to more immediate community needs. Within a week of the State’s orders to close all municipal buildings, Berggren led The Plaza team as they transitioned from managing in-person events to supporting virtual emergency meetings and, eventually, four of Vanderburgh County’s Superior Courts. In the Fall of 2020, they would assist over 9,000 early voters in passing safely through the facility, providing vital support to the County Clerk’s electoral operation.
To ease the impact of mandatory shut-downs, Berggren partnered with officials to research recovery resources for the venue. Her quick and thorough analysis of market trends and forthcoming economic strain led her to develop several mitigation plans based on differing fiscal outcomes. Berggren worked diligently with her team to develop a comprehensive safety and reopening plan, one of the first circulated in the venue management industry at the beginning of the pandemic. She partnered with City and County leaders to ensure the safety of key civic and court staff, members of the public, as well as venue employees. This planning positioned The Plaza for proactive pandemic management and placed the venue far ahead of the industry curve, retaining a handful of essential staff to support the operation of the building and poise the facility to successfully reopen.
As the team at Old National Events Plaza plans for the upcoming year, they’re met with a more complex industry landscape than that of 18 months ago. Berggren continues to lean into the network of venue professionals she’s cultivated within ASM Global’s management team and as an active member of the International Association of Venue Managers (IAVM) and Trustee of the IAVM Foundation.
Berggren also serves as one of two County Commissioner appointees to the Convention and Visitors Bureau Board of Directors. She has proven to be a strong source of support in the collective efforts of Evansville’s downtown partners and enjoys networking with peers and community changemakers as a member of the Evansville Rotary Club.
Business is strengthening for the convention center in Q3-Q4 of this year and is building for next year, although perhaps more slowly than anticipated. As events contract for 2022, forecasts are nearing 80% of pre-pandemic event levels. Berggren and her team are ready for what comes next. “In terms of convention centers and theatres within our management company, The Plaza is weathering the pandemic better than most,†notes Assistant General Manager, Nick Wallace. “Many venues are just now reopening and have suffered tremendous losses. I’d attribute our current position to quick collaborative planning by local officials, and our team’s dedication to managing through the challenges.â€
The Old National Events Plaza continues to announce new upcoming shows. Fans can look forward to an array of live performances in 2021 and 2022 including Styx, TobyMac, Joe Bonamassa, Soul Asylum, Straight No Chaser, and comedians Leanne Morgan and John Crist. We’re told more announcements are on the way in the coming weeks.
It’s been a dynamic four years at Old National Events Plaza for Alexis Berggren, both personally and professionally. She added two children to her family in 2018 and 2020, making this season in her life a time of dramatic change and growth. Both at home and at work, she knows there’s a lot to do in the future. However, Berggren’s perspective remains clear. “The Old National Events Plaza, and facilities like it, are so unique in that they can drive both significant economic impact and cultural influence within a community. Connecting people to their passions and providing for a higher quality of life is a tremendous responsibility, and we can make the greatest advancements by being effective ambassadors and dependable partners.â€
Eagles upset #22/#24 Lakers, 68-63
Rivera becomes 22nd Eagle to reach 1,000 points
ALLENDALE, Mich. – University of Southern Indiana Men’s Basketball held on to upset #22 NABC/#24 D2SIDA Grand Valley State University, 68-63, Monday evening in Allendale, Michigan. USI, which has won four-straight, goes to 6-2, while GVSU is 8-2 this season.
The victory was the Screaming Eagles’ first road win over a ranked opponent since they knocked off 19th-ranked University of Missouri-St. Louis February 15, 2020.
The Eagles had to rally in the first half to lead by as many as six points (35-29) and take a 35-31 lead into the intermission. USI, which spotted GVSU a 5-0 lead to start the contest, used a 13-8 surge to take its first lead of the game, 23-21, with 7:35 left in the half and had a 14-8 burst to reach the six-point lead with 39 seconds left before intermission, 35-29.
Junior guard Jelani Simmons (Columbus, Ohio) was dominating in the opening 20 minutes for the Eagles, dropping in 14 points on five-of-seven from the field, including four three-pointers.
The Lakers were fast out of the locker room to start the second half, knotting the game at 39-39 in the first three minutes after halftime. USI responded in quick fashion, using a 6-0 run to retake the lead (45-39) and would methodically extend the margin to nine points, 54-45, when junior forward Jacob Polakovich (Grand Rapids, Michigan) laid in a buck with 10:32 remaining.
The Eagles, however, went cold on the offensive end and would only get one bucket over the next six minutes as the Lakers chipped away at the USI margin and regained the lead briefly, 57-56, on a 12-2 run with 4:29 remaining.
Senior guard Mateo Rivera (Indianapolis, Indiana) and Polakovich would get the Eagles back on track offensively with two quick buckets to put USI back in the lead with 2:55 left, 60-57. Rivera took control of the USI offense in the final 1:30, scoring seven of the last eight points on a three-pointer, a bucket due to goaltending, and a pair of free throws as the Eagles held on for the 68-63 win.
Individually, Simmons added seven points in the second half and finished with a game-high 21 points. The 21-points, a season-high for Simmons, came on seven-of-13 from the field, five-of-10 from long range, and two-of-two from the line. The junior guard also tied a career-best with four assists.
Rivera followed Simmons in the scoring column with a season-high 18 points and became the 22nd USI player to reach 1,000 career points. He was seven-of-12 from the field, including two three-point bombs, and two-of-two from the stripe.
Polakovich rounded out the double-digit scorers with 12 points and completed his third double-double of the season with a game-high 10 rebounds. The junior forward was a blistering five-of-six from the field and two-of-two from the stripe, while grabbing two offensive and eight defensive rebounds.
COMING UP FOR USI:
USI continues the five-game road trip and resumes the 2021-22 Great Lakes Valley Conference action after the first of the year when the Eagles visit McKendree University January 2 and Lewis University January 4. The final leg of the road trip is a visit to Lindenwood University January 6.
McKendree, 5-2 overall and 1-2 in conference play, finished the 2021 half of the season with a 5-2 record after a pair of games in the Quincy University’s Hansen-Spears Funeral Home Classic were cancelled due to COVID.
USI leads the all-time series with McKendree, 14-8 overall and 12-2 in GLVC action. The Eagles took last year’s only meeting, 81-70, at Screaming Eagles Arena and has won nine of the last 10 match-ups.
Lewis saw its record go to 4-5 overall after posting a 90-85 win over Ferris State University this evening in Romeoville, Illinois. The Flyers, 2-0 in GLVC action this season, finishes the 2021 calendar by hosting East/West University December 29 and restarts league play versus the University of Illinois Springfield January 2 in Romeoville.
The Eagles lead the all-time series with the Flyers, 50-27 overall and 40-27 in GLVC action. USI took last season’s regular contest on the road, 74-65, and the NCAA II Midwest Regional game at the Ford Center, 62-60.
The next USI game at Screaming Eagles Arena is January 8 when they host Southwest Baptist University.
Men’s Basketball To Remain In Pause
SMU Game Canceled Due To COVID Protocols
With COVID-19 developments ongoing, the University of Evansville men’s basketball team will remain on pause and will not travel to Dallas for Tuesday’s scheduled game at SMU.
The UE program will continue its pause while temporarily halting all team activities. The Purple Aces will follow all local, Missouri Valley Conference and NCAA protocols as they prepare to return to the floor on Sunday, January 2 at Northern Iowa.
Senator Braun On Bail Project’s Suspension Good News For Indy
WASHINGTON – Senator Mike Braun released the following statement following the announcement that the Marion County Superior Court would end its support of The Bail Project.
“It’s good news for Indy that The Bail Project will no longer be able to release criminals from jail without accountability, but this is only the tip of the iceberg for soft-on-crime activist organizations and prosecutors putting their agenda over Hoosiers’ lives. I will continue working to hold these groups accountable and return law and order to our cities.” – Senator Mike Braun
Last week, Senator Braun sent a letter to Indiana leadership and the President of the Indianapolis Fraternal Order of Police announcing his support for additional restrictions on activist organizations like The Bail Project and indicating he will pursue ways to limit federal funding to The Bail Project and similar activist organizations dedicated to releasing individuals from jail without accountability.
The Bail Project and other similar organizations post bail for individuals, but are able to skirt the traditional rules and regulations for bail agents that includes responsibility for post-bail behavior and ensuring that these individuals attend court hearings.
Senator Braun weighed in on The Bail Project after two repeat offendersreleased on bail paid by The Bail Project went on to commit murders in Indianapolis, and one released individual stabbed two Indianapolis Police officers this month.
Read Senator Braun’s full letter on The Bail Project:
Gov. Beshear Updates Kentuckians on COVID-19, Storm Response
Gov. Beshear Updates Kentuckians on COVID-19, Storm Response
FRANKFORT, Ky. (Dec. 20, 2021) – Today, Gov. Andy Beshear updated Kentuckians on the state’s response to the devastating storms that hit Western Kentucky just over a week ago and to the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.
“The message is pretty simple: Omicron is spreading faster than anything we’ve ever seen, and it looks like this might be one of the most contagious viruses in modern history,†said Gov. Beshear. “Unfortunately, some of the therapeutics won’t work on it. But what does work is being vaccinated and being boosted. If you haven’t gotten vaccinated yet, please consider doing it now.â€
The Governor also reported today that, according to the company, Moderna’s COVID-19 booster dose should offer protection against the omicron variant. Lab tests revealed the half-dose booster shot increased by 37 times the level of antibodies able to fight omicron and a full-dose booster generated an 83-fold jump in antibodies. They did note that the full-dose booster had an increase in the usual side effects. The full-dose booster is recommended for people with weakened immune systems; the half-dose booster is more commonly administered. Similar results have been found in tests of Pfizer’s booster shots.
“So the message here again is, these vaccines are helping to prevent severe disease and we need everyone to go get a Pfizer or Moderna booster as soon as they’re eligible,†Gov. Beshear said.
COVID-19 Case Information, Vaccinations Update
Number of people who have received at least one vaccine dose in Kentucky: 2,749,942
Number of people who have received a vaccination booster in Kentucky: 777,448
Dec. 18, Cases: 2,575
Dec. 18, Deaths: 32
Dec. 19, Cases: 1,531
Dec. 19, Deaths: 29
New Cases Today: 1,215
New Deaths: 32
Today’s Positivity Rate: 9.20%
Current Hospitalizations: 1,206
Current Intensive Care Admittances: 325
Currently on Ventilators: 176
During the week ending Dec. 19, 15,588 new COVID-19 cases were reported in Kentucky, and the average test positivity rate was 9.06%.
Western Kentucky Tornado Toll
Gov. Beshear said the most accurate number of lives lost now stands at 76. The Governor has said multiple times he has been waiting to confirm three people from Dawson Springs that at one point had been included in Hopkins County’s report. He said those three are believed to already be counted in the Caldwell County numbers. The Governor said that would have pushed the number back to 75, but one additional employee of the candle factory who escaped the collapse later succumbed to their injuries.
Gov. Beshear said there continues to be no one listed as missing from the storm. No active search or rescue operations are underway, he said.
Team Western Kentucky Tornado Relief Fund
As of Monday morning, the relief fund set up by the Beshear administration to help those in Western Kentucky impacted by the devastating tornado storms that hit the region Dec. 10 has received 112,079 donations totaling $21,483,814.
First Lady’s Western Kentucky Toy Drive
To help distribute the toys donated through First Lady Britainy Beshear’s Western Kentucky Toy Drive, locations across the state will host a Christmas storefront on Tuesday, Dec. 21, and Thursday, Dec. 23, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST. Locations include,
- Kenlake State Resort Park, 542 Kenlake Road, Hardin, KY 42048
- Lake Barkley State Resort Park, 3500 State Park Road, Cadiz, KY 42211
- Pennyrile Forest State Resort Park, 20781 Pennyrile Lodge Road, Dawson Springs, KY
- Hope House Ministries at Stryker Logistics, 308 Dishman Lane, Bowling Green, 42101
- West Kentucky Educational Cooperative, 435 Outlet Avenue, Eddyville, KY 42038
For those unable to make it to the storefront site, please email toydrive@ky.gov with county of residents in the subject line to arrange an alternative delivery method.
Kentucky State Parks Update
Kentuckians displaced by the tornadoes are being lodged at Kentucky state resort parks. Currently there are 226 state park rooms occupied by displaced Kentuckians and 92 rooms have been provided for first responders. Parks with vacancies still available for displaced families are:
- Kentucky Dam Village – 4 rooms available;
- Kenlake State Resort Park – 13 rooms available;
- Lake Barkley State Resort Park – 3 rooms available;
- Barren River Lake State Resort Park – 42 rooms available;
- John James Audubon State Park – 4 rooms available; and
- Rough River Dam State Resort Park – 51 rooms available.
Kentucky State Parks will be looking for volunteers after the New Year to help with dining room, kitchen, housekeeping and laundry as well as some maintenance work assistance. Those interested in volunteering should contact Andy Kasitz via email at andy.kasitz@ky.gov and provide the following information: your name, a cell phone number, the name of park(s) at which you wish to volunteer and your availability.
Team Kentucky All-Stars
Today, Gov. Beshear named Kentucky State Park employees as this week’s Team Kentucky All-stars for their continued efforts to care for and house displaced Kentuckians from last week’s historic tornadoes. The Governor shared that some employees of Pennyrile State Resort Park are now living at the park after losing their own homes in the storm, yet they are still showing up daily to help staff the park showing their dedication and compassion to the people of Western Kentucky.
Driver’s License Replacement
The Kentucky Transportation Cabinet opened a temporary driver licensing issuance station in Mayfield. Fees are waived for disaster victims needing to replace lost operator licenses, permits and state ID cards. The office, at 355 Charles Drive, will operate Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. CST, through at least Jan. 28.
A temporary driver licensing station will be set up in Dawson Springs once an appropriate space is located.
Insurance Claims
As of Monday morning, the Department of Insurance (DOI) has received 10,235 insurance claims of which 84 have been addressed and closed. DOI provided on-site consumer assistance Monday. A toll-free number is available for additional consumer assistance: 800-595-6053.
Insurance companies are reportedly onsite in Western Kentucky and claims adjusters are working with affected residents.
Disaster Unemployment Assistance
Kentuckians who became unemployed or who are self-employed and had work interrupted in one of 14 counties as a direct result of the severe storms, straight-line winds, flooding and tornadoes on Dec. 10, 2021, are eligible to apply for Disaster Unemployment Assistance (DUA) benefits through the Kentucky Office of Unemployment Insurance. The 14 counties are Caldwell, Christian, Fulton, Graves, Hart, Hickman, Hopkins, Logan, Lyon, Marshall, Muhlenberg, Ohio, Taylor and Warren.
To qualify for DUA benefits, claimants in eligible counties must show that their employment or self-employment was lost or interrupted as a direct result of the disaster and that they are not otherwise eligible for traditional unemployment insurance benefits under state or federal law. Farmers and other self-employed individuals who are traditionally ineligible for unemployment insurance (UI) benefits may qualify for DUA.
Affected individuals should visit the Kentucky Career Center website or call 502-875-0442 to file their initial claim. The deadline to apply for assistance is Jan. 18, 2022. For more information, visit kcc.ky.gov.
Beware of Bad Actors
Kentucky State Police (KSP) is warning Kentuckians affected by the tornadoes to be aware of fraudulent disaster relief workers. These individuals may be posing as FEMA representatives, American Red Cross workers, insurance adjusters, contractors for debris removal or general contractors.
While there have been reports of fraudulent workers, there are also legitimate FEMA Disaster Survivor Assistance teams, housing inspectors and other officials working in areas impacted by the storms. Legitimate FEMA representatives carry official identification badges with photo IDs and will have residents’ relevant FEMA application numbers.
FEMA and U.S. Small Business Administration representatives never charge applicants for disaster assistance, inspections or help with filling out applications for federal assistance. FEMA representatives will never promise a disaster grant in return for payment and are never authorized to collect your personal financial information.
Anyone observing individuals removing items from properties where they do not belong should contact law enforcement. KSP, Kentucky National Guard and local law enforcement are providing saturated patrols in storm-damaged areas to fend off this criminal activity. Suspicious individuals or activity can be reported to KSP at 270-856-3721.
FEMA Assistance
Survivors may continue to apply for assistance by calling 800-621-3362, going online to DisasterAssistance.gov, or using the FEMA App. We’ve seen significant progress getting those who have been impacted registered for assistance. Already, there are more than 8,500 validated registrants approved for more than $2.6 million. FEMA is currently operating seven Mobile Registration Centers and two Disaster Recovery Centers are now open in Hopkins and Warren counties.
Debris Removal
Debris management and removal is a key priority. Counties are identifying and approving locations, and we are working with county and city leaders and our state and federal partners to ensure program understanding and compliance, while at the same time securing contracts to remove and monitor debris.
Economic Development Announcements
Gov. Beshear noted three recent announcements for more jobs and investments coming to Kentucky.
- Universal Piping Industries Inc., a subsidiary of Gallagher-Kaiser Corp. and fabricator of prepackaged industrial piping assemblies, will construct a new operation in Georgetown and consolidate its existing Lexington facilities, adding 25 new high-wage jobs. See the full release here.
- Taylor Corp., among the largest graphic communications companies in North America, will invest $18.8 million in its Radcliff operation and create 28 quality job opportunities in the Radcliff area. See the full release here.
- Commonwealth Rolled Products Inc. will invest more than $167 million in its Lewisport aluminum rolling mill, a project that will create 40 full-time jobs in the years ahead. See the full release here.
Build Back Better Regional Challenge
At Monday’s briefing, Gov. Beshear announced that Kentucky is a finalist for the U.S. Economic Development Administration’s $1 billion Build Back Better Regional Challenge. The Build Back Better Regional Challenge aims to boost economic pandemic recovery and rebuild communities, including some that have been grappling with decades of disinvestment.
Kentucky is one of 60 finalists, chosen from a pool of 529 applicants, and will receive a grant of approximately $500,000 to further develop the proposed project, Prosperity through AgriTech Hub, or Kentucky’s PATH.
The proposal involves five aligned projects that revolve around the construction of a new state-of-the-art AgriTech research and development center that will establish Eastern Kentucky as an agriculture technology hub.
A diverse group of partners that includes international partners, economic development agencies, workforce innovation boards, colleges and universities, industry leaders and local governments is joining together to elevate PATH.
HEALTH DEPARTMENT EXTENDS IMS COVID-19 VACCINATION, TESTING CLINIC
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HEALTH DEPARTMENT EXTENDS IMS COVID-19 VACCINATION, TESTING CLINIC
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