November 17, 2017 Michael C. Peoples Kristy R. Crisp
Re:
Facilities Management Committee: Gastonia Conference Center Contract Extension
City Manager Economic Development Director
In the summer of 2015, Culinaire was selected as the management company for the Gastonia Conference Center and assumed operation and general management of the GCC in September 2015. Michael Nolan was brought on board to serve as the General Manager and under his leadership operation of the facility has excelled in every comparable metric. Some notable accomplishments:
Revenue: Expenditures: Operating loss
2012/2013 $540,825 $745,938 -($274,890)
2016/2017 $606,002 $638,847 -($32,845)
In addition to their financial achievements, Culinaire has also maintained an excellent relationship with City staff and works directly with both Building Maintenance and IT to resolve facility needs if they arise. Both Gerry Durkee and Lauren Braxton exceed sales expectations and continue to look for ways to grow business.
Recommendation: Based on the previous two years, Staff recommends consideration of extending the contract with Culinaire an additional two years. A letter of support from Culinaire is included.