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OTTUMWA, IOWA -- The Bridge View Center has a new boss.

The Ottumwa City Council voted Tuesday night to hire Larry Gawronski for the position.

Gawronski is currently working as the executive director of Vicksburg Convention Center in Vicksburg, Mississippi.

That facility is operated by VenuWorks, the company recently selected to take over operations at the Bridgeview Center.

According to Venuworks, Gawronski has 30 years of experience in venue management, including stops in Rochester, New York, Danville, Illinois and Omaha, Nebraska.

Ottumwa Mayor Dale Uehling touted Gawronski's success in smaller markets making him the perfect fit for the Bridge View Center.

Gawronski is expected to begin his duties at Bridge View on January 3.

Press release from Venuworks

Larry Gawronski has been named Executive Director of the Bridge View Center (BVC) in Ottumwa, VenuWorks President Steve Peters announced.  The Ottumwa City Council voted last night to approve his appointment.  Gawronski will begin his duties January 3.

“We are bringing the right person in Larry Gawronski to assume the responsibilities of transitioning the Bridge View Center to the VenuWorks family,” Peters said.  “Larry’s experience in working in all facets of facility management, along with his experience in multi-purpose venues, were important factors in selecting him for the position.”   

“We are delighted with the selection of Larry Gawronski as BVC Executive Director,” said Ottumwa Mayor, Dale Uehling.  “His familiarity with the convention center and entertainment industry along with his experience in smaller markets is a great fit for Ottumwa and the Bridge View Center.”

Ottumwa City Manager, Joe Helfenberger also cited Gawronski’s commitment to the community while in Vicksburg as being a very attractive quality.  “His community involvement points to his success and I expect that to continue here in Ottumwa,” said Helfenberger.  “Larry also received the strong support of the BVCI Board at their monthly meeting.”

Gawronski brings over 30 years of diverse hospitality, entertainment business and venue management experience to the position. He began his facility management career in Buffalo, NY with the Buffalo Convention Center.  He then added experience in the hotel industry and management consulting to his venue management background with stops in Rochester, NY; Danville, IL; Villa Park, IL and Omaha, NE.  Gawronski will be leaving his post as Executive Director of the Vicksburg Convention Center and Auditorium, another VenuWorks-managed account.

“It’s an honor to be selected to lead this organization and be a part of its continued success,” said Gawronski.  Bridge View Center is a beautiful facility.  My wife, Diane and I are eager to become part of the Ottumwa and Wapello County communities.”

The Bridge View Center opened in January 2007.  The venue is a 92,000 sq ft center located in the heartland of Iowa. Featuring a 655 seat theater, multiple meeting rooms and 30,000 sq ft multi-purpose exposition hall, it is home to the Ottumwa Community Players and Ottumwa Community Children’s Playhouse.

BACKGROUND

VenuWorks provides comprehensive management, booking and marketing solutions for over 40 venues, including arenas, theaters and convention centers throughout North America.  For more information, please visit: www.venuworks.com.