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By Charles Schilling,
CFE
An
appreciation of diversity
combined with a focused mission statement
can drive facility managers and their venues
to greater achievements
As venue managers, we have
the keys to creating moments of inspiration and joy, and we can create
this stage for our youth and communities. We are the catalysts for
economic development, the hub for culture as we host music, athletic
competitions, art and hospitality. And by celebrating diversity, we can
make our venues the home for all citizens and drive future successes to
new levels.
Developing an Appreciation
I began my secondary educational journey in Indianola, Iowa, at Simpson
College, where George Washington Carver began studying in September
1890. Carver was the only African American among 300 students, but he
thrived at Simpson College, which had been endowed by Matthew Simpson, a
friend of Abraham Lincoln and a staunch advocate of the equality of all
men. I studied “Black Literature,” as it was called, reading literature
and trying to dream big while quite lost in life as a relatively young
mind and student– and all the while gaining an appreciation of the
importance of diversity.
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TAKE HOME POINTS
• By celebrating diversity,
you can make your venue a home to all citizens and drive future
successes to new levels.
• We are the catalysts for economic development and the hub for culture
as we host music, athletic competitions, art and hospitality.
• The IAAM Diversification Committee holds a shared vision to direct the
spotlight on our growing international affairs and to make our
association savvy on a global level. |
Meanwhile, I also studied
management, marketing and related business principles in courses that
featured Tom Peters’ In Search of Excellence and Passion for Excellence,
and I began to understand the cornerstone philosophies of many of our
hallmark companies. These corporate case studies examined the success of
a new generation of companies such as Nike, which conveyed with passion
and clarity the simple, direct mantras of their management teams. For
example, Nike’s mission statement back then was clear: Crush Reebok.
Fast-forward more than 15 years, when I listened with keen interest to
one of the guest speakers, Bertice Berry, at the 2002 IAAM Annual
Conference in Atlanta. Her speech resonated with me as she talked about
how we as venue managers had inspired her as a young performer – one who
had a chance to shine in her hometown on the “big stage.” This gave her
the confidence and motivation that led her to future success. In
recalling her joyful memories, she made us laugh and reminded us that
sometimes it is these small moments that can change a person’s life.
On a Mission
Since the Atlanta convention in 2002, I have made a commitment to
promote diversity, a part of our mission statement. I want all of my
staff to understand our mission and believe in the synergy that can
benefit the team and the bottom line. Our mission and vision statement,
which all staff members read every day as they walk to their offices or
the time clock, reads:
Mission Statement: Lead and Exceed.
To become an active leader in the community and industry through
consistent and best practices. To exceed the expectations of our clients
and patrons. To promote diversity and quality of life.
Vision Statement. To foster a
culture of energy, fun and vision that inspires a commitment to a higher
level of service.
Case Studies
The following are perfect examples of the intersection of diversity and
successful events:
 United
We Funk Tour in Omaha, Nebraska/Council Bluffs, Iowa, September 2004.
Tim Clark, Omaha business executive, believed strongly that the market
was underserved and, in partnership with the Mid- America Center,
created a destination for more than 4,000 R&B fans, who have made an
annual return for great music, great access, an affordable outing and
favorable service.
Familia Aguilar Farewell Tour, featuring Pepe
Aguilar, Don Antonio Aguilar and Flor Silvestre. John
Barrientos,
 an
Omaha business executive, was convinced the market would support a
headliner as part of the Cinco de Mayo weekend celebrations. We have
spent more than a year nurturing a relationship that has led to a Pepe
Aguliar event in our venue on Sunday, May 7 as part of a weekend of
Cinco de Mayo festivities.
We Are Polynesian Festival in Salt Lake City. Souli Stroud of
the Polynesian Committee wanted to celebrate an annual P o l y n e s i a
n Festival in the new arena. The event committee was well intended but
not well organized, and it took countless hours of planning and
counseling to create what became a signature annual event for the
Polynesian community.
A Shared Vision
David Ross, president of IAAM, has invited me to chair the
organization’s Diversification Committee. The committee members,
 Ross
and the IAAM staff share the common mission of bringing focus to our
international, bilingual and multiracial members in a way that enhances
our global efforts. This committee shares Ross’s vision to direct the
spotlight on our growing international affairs and to make our
association savvy on a global level. This means enhancing our
international minority membership across the globe.
I applaud IAAM for giving this committee credence and empowering us to
recognize and celebrate our diversity as an association. Please join us
as we shine the spotlight on our global membership and leverage this
diversity to make a difference in our own lives and communities.
Charles Schilling, CFE, is
general manager of the Mid-America Center in Council Bluffs, Iowa. |
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