IlluMyFi

The Lexington Herald-Leader is profiling 24 individuals this month that you should be keeping an eye on in 2024. The selected group represents a cross-section of industries, political parties, missions and the state itself. We believe each is notable for their contributions to Kentucky, as well as their plans for the next 12 months. Who: Brian Sipe, general manager of Central Bank Center, which includes Rupp Arena, Lexington Convention Center, Triangle Park and Lexington Opera House since October 2021. Background: Previously was Rupp director of booking for Oak View Group, which manages the downtown venue. He joined Oak View after serving as general manager of the Mohegan Sun Arena at Casey Plaza in Wilkes Barre, Penn. Sipe has a professional voting membership in the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music. Why 2024 will be notable: The four venues are coming off a record-setting year and Sipe expects them to continue that trend and hit a major benchmark in 2024: The expanded and revamped convention center likely will operate in the black for the first time in its history, Sipe said. "That will be huge when we achieve that." After a year with more concerts and events than ever before, not counting University of Kentucky athletics, Sipe said, "We're going to repeat and beat that in 2024 with more shows, events and conventions." Besides top rock and country artists, Sipe has focused on bringing a diverse slate of top name comedy acts to Rupp and the Opera House, which hosted two Netflix specials recently. And Jo Koy, one of the biggest names in comedy, will be returning to Rupp in February, fresh off his gig hosting the Golden Globes. Stay tuned because Sipe said Rupp is going to have some big announcements coming on the concert and entertainment side too in January as well. Why do you think he will be successful? "Brian goes the extra mile to appeal to all parts of the Lexington community, meet the needs of the community and bring in more business, support UK sports and local arts at the Opera House," said Karen Hill, chairwoman of the Lexington Convention Center board. "He knows how important Lexington Center is to the community and looks for opportunities to bring Lexington Center in as a partner." Why is 2024 such an important year for you and your organization? "In 2024 we're going to start planning for our contribution for Lexington's 250th anniversary celebration in 2025 and Rupp Arena's 50th anniversary, which starts in 2026," Sipe said. "We're open to everything from an artist resident for a couple of shows to bringing in a national television production. Everything is in the hat ... for that."

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13.01.24 07:25

by ca.news.yahoo.com

Prosperity Northwest highlights opportunities

Exhibitor spots for the Thunder Bay Chamber of Commerce 2024 Prosperity Northwest Conference have been sold out since November with 60 exhibitors already signed up for the expo at the end of this month. Charla Robinson, chamber president, said the two-day conference at the Valhalla Inn will feature amazing speaker sessions that will share knowledge, strategies and concepts on partnerships and opportunities in our region with a focus on mining, indigenous engagements, and forestry biomass opportunities. "The head of the Ontario Mining Association, Chris Hodgson, is our keynote speaker during lunch on Wednesday (Jan. 31)," Robinson said, adding this will add to the high-quality conversation and information sessions. "Then of course, people will mix and mingle with the trade show exhibitors making connections to maybe get a contract with a company or maybe they're looking to buy something that a company is offering." Robinson said most exhibitors are local businesses with some from out of town, particularly around the mining and energy sectors. Visitors and participants in the conference come from all over. "Traditionally we have a mix of Thunder Bay and the region and last year we had folks from the GTA (Greater Toronto Area), Alberta and Manitoba, because of mining and natural resources," she said. "These opportunities are global in nature. They're not just local. We're anticipating similar participation from a broad area of interested parties to come and find out what's happening here in the north and what the opportunities are." Robinson pointed out that Prosperity Northwest is not strictly about mining. Rather, it's focused on the opportunities and the next big things that are coming up for our region. "A lot of those pieces are mining- or forestry-related, but there's also energy projects and other sectors that will be growing as a result of spinoffs from those things, whether it's transportation-related or technology-related or whatever," she said. "It's really a microcosm of the larger economy and what the big growth opportunities are for us in the next two or three years, and that further conversation starts." The conference kicks off on Jan. 30 with keynote speaker Zeeshan Syed, president of Avalon Advanced Materials Inc. at the Chanterelle at 5 p.m. On Jan. 31, Vince Rutter, Robin Gould and Jackson Wyatt will present their case study, Using Wood to Drive Decarbonization and Economic Development, in the Valhalla Hotel Scandia Room. Participants will learn about the catalytic impact of wood in decarbonization and economic development and the successful implementation of local biomass. People and Business: Connections and Best Practices will be presented by Jordan Hatton, Chief Marcus Hardy, Kyla Morriseau, Valerie Pascale and John Stringer in the Scandia room at 11:30 a.m., on Jan. 31. Participants will learn of successful strategies for building meaningful connections between people and businesses. At 12:45 p.m., keynote speaker Ontario Mining Association's Chris Hodg...