Coversheet


CITY OF WATERLOO Council Communication Resolution renaming the 5 Sullivan Brothers Convention Center to the Waterloo Convention Center, and naming the outside plaza area the Sullivan Brothers Plaza, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute necessary documents for such change. City Council Meeting: 5/17/2021 Prepared: 5/10/2021

SUBJECT:

Resolution renaming the 5 Sullivan Brothers Convention Center to the Waterloo Convention Center, and naming the outside plaza area the Sullivan Brothers Plaza, and authorize the Mayor and City Clerk to execute necessary documents for such change.

Submitted by:

Submitted By: Noel Anderson, Community Planning & Development Director

Recommended Action:

Adopt resolution

Summary Statement:

The Mayor has been in conversation with the Sullivan family and working with Spectra Management group on the renaming of the Convention Center. Spectra officials would recommend the Waterloo Convention Center name for easier recognition of the location. The Mayor has been working on improvements and renaming of the plaza outside for the honoring of the Sullivan family.

Expenditure Required:

None

Source of Funds:

Policy Issue:

Tourism

Alternative:

Not approve

Background Information:

Back when the City was preparing to sell the convention center, the idea was approached. The Development Agreement , at that time, noted it would be renamed to the "Waterloo Convention Center at Five Sullivan Brothers Plaza."

Since that did not go through, the City has hired Spectra Management for the running of the convention center for events, marketing. Spectra staff has recommended the renaming to the "Waterloo Convention Center" and the "Sullivan Brothers Plaza" for the two locations (building and plaza outside). They note the full name of the "Waterloo Convention Center at the Sullivan Brothers Plaza" would be used for the logo, most materials, social media sites, etc..

The request would also ask that future naming rights partners not have to go through City Council, but would be approved by the Mayor for such activities.