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Advisory Board Meeting Minutes
Thursday, December 12, 2024 @ 12pm
Dacotah Bank Center
Present: Advisory Board Members: Jeff Holm, Kyleigh Cramer, Elena McKeown, Kyleigh Cramer,
Laura Schoen Carbonneau, Bill Ritterath. City of Brookings Staff: Kristen Zimmerman. Dacotah Bank
Center Staff: Ashley Biggar – General Manager, Lisa Robinson – Director of Finance, Cody Pohlen –
Director of Operations, Kayla Gullickson – Director of Partnerships.
Agenda Discussions:
➢Jeff called the meeting to order.
➢October minutes were approved.
➢Ashley gave an update on staffing and advisory board.
➢Ashley presented and the board discussed a SWOT analysis of the facility. The Dacotah Bank
Center's strengths include the BEST team, its significant economic impact on the region, and
competitive mid-range pricing. Challenges were noted, including the facility's aging infrastructure,
no attached hotel, limited transportation options, and seasonal labor demands. Opportunities
highlighted included expanding into weddings and galas, strengthening relationships with tenant
teams, and hosting festival-style events. However, economic uncertainty, balancing promoter versus
direct-buy event strategies, and increasing competition in marketing efforts were identified as
ongoing threats.
➢Ashley and Cody gave an update on Dacotah Bank Center capital projects. Current projects include
arena concrete work scheduled for 2024-25, Lobby B renovations for 2024-25, lighting equipment
upgrades planned for 2024-25, and security system improvements set for 2024-26. Bathroom
renovations are slated for 2025 as well as Box Office Microphones.
➢Ashley and Lisa presented a review of financials. The rolling forecast anticipates 195 events with a
projected deficit of -$291k. A conservative approach to expenses will be maintained for the
remainder of the year to manage the financial impact.
➢Next meeting is scheduled for February 27, 2025, at 12:00pm.
➢Jeff adjourned the meeting.