The 10th Annual ChangeMakers Dinner Event Land of 10,000 SPORTS! Attracts a Crowd to Hear from an Outstanding Panel The 10th annual The ChangeMakers dinner event, held at Minneapolis Hilton on February 25th, attracted a strong crowd of executives, entrepreneurs, investors and professionals. The expert panel included some of Minnesota’s most influential sports leaders: Dave St. Peter, President, Minnesota Twins Chris Wright, President, Minnesota Timberwolves Lester Bagley, Vice President, Minnesota Vikings Joel Maturi, Athletics Director, University of Minnesota Vance Opperman, CEO, Key Investment (moderator)

The evening began with a buzzing networking reception, followed by an equally bustling dinner. Once the panel discussion begun, the audience quieted to hear from this panel of veteran sports leaders. The evening’s conversation started by looking at how professional sports help to build a community in the Twin Cities. Wright commented, “Professional sports galvanize the marketplace and become a community asset. The Twin Cities is the smallest market in the country with all four professional sports and a major University in the downtown area. This puts pressure to develop an ROI for the fans and the community.” Panelists agreed that sports play an important role in building a community and can be an incredible asset for local businesses

After considering the role of sports in community building the panel addressed the most specific impacts sports teams have on the business community. Bagley, who is Vice President of Public Affairs and Stadium Development, noted, “The economics and intangibles of sports are undeniable. The Metrodome brought in $300 million in revenue and 95% of that goes to the state, yet the state put nothing in to finance the stadium. Professional sports definitely have a positive impact on quality of life and the economy.” Panelists noted the economic impact of professional sports is significant and important to a healthy community. Sports teams and other cultural venues attract a talented workforce and help strengthen the states economy.

Panelists (L-R): Chris Wright, Lester Bagley, Joel Maturi, Dave St. Peter, Vance Opperman

The panel discussed the ways professional sports can help support and foster growth in non-professional sports, at the University level and in youth and community teams. St. Peter, whose team will start the 2010 season at the $522 million Target Field, spoke to the specific efforts of the Twins organization. He said, “It is the responsibility of professional teams to insure there is an outreach to the NCAA, youth and community. We promote the game and the opportunity for kids to play the game. Through various branches of the organization we help renovate fields in the community and fund programs to help kids play for free. Through these efforts we are teaching kids life skills and ultimately having a positive impact on the community.” Maturi, who headed the TCF Bank stadium efforts, noted the role of sports at the University level and it’s impact on the community. “The mission of the University is to educate, research and serve the community. 50% of people who come in contact with the University of Minnesota do so through a sporting event. We are a sports crazed community, so we can embrace that to allow it to be a window to who and what you are,” said Maturi.

Community building is an essential part of a sports organization, and panelists also discussed the impact of the Internet and social media tools on community building and fan outreach. Wright discussed how the NBA is at the forefront of social media use and how the Timberwolves are using social media to reach out to fans, “We still reach most fans through the television first, but we try to communicate with fans on all levels – through social media and the Internet. You need to be in that world and find out how your consumers want to communicate with you, or you will loose a significant fan base.”

The panel discussion was lively, delving into various roles sports teams play in the economic and community development here in the Twin Cities. The conversation wrapped up with a question and answer session from the audience. The audience was treated to insights from some of Minnesota’s top sports executives in both professional and non-professional athletics, and the evening was a great success.

The Collaborative was pleased to host this well-received event and would like to thank our co-sponsors who made this event possible: Doherty Employer Services, Dorsey & Whitney, Faegre & Benson, Fredrikson & Byron, and the Minneapolis/St. Paul Business Journal. We are also grateful for the support of the Citizens League and the Minneapolis Regional Chamber of Commerce.

THE CHANGEMAKERS
This is the 10th annual “The ChangeMakers” event, tackling issues important to all Minnesotans from the perspective of the innovation economy.

2009 – Leadership, Ethics & Governance
2008 – The Future of Healthcare and Minnesota’s Opportunity
2007 – Business & Community: Minnesota’s Philanthropic Tradition & Its Future
2006 – Talent: Educating & Preparing Our Human Capital to Fuel the Innovation Economy
2005 – The Impact of Healthcare on Business and Society
2004 – Building a Great State through Business Leadership
2003 – Minnesota’s New Leaders
2002 – Minnesota’s Economic Strengths or Clusters
2001 – What’s Next, What’s Real, in Technology

Past Speakers Have Included:
Brad Anderson, Marilyn Carlson Nelson, Governor Tim Pawlenty, Don Shelby, Denis Cortese, Mary Brainerd, Art Rolnick, Bob Bruininks, Doug Kohrs, Jim Campbell, Pat Harvey, Tim Penny, Steve Shank, Eric Jolly, Michael Gorman, Lois Quam, Tony Miller, Richard Lawson, Bonnie Baskin, Bill Cadogan, Dale Olseth, Jim McCormick, Chris Shea, Lauren Segal and more.