Metro councilors postpone MERC decision - South Florida Business Journal:

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Specifically, the council delayeed deciding whether to assume control over the hiring ofthe commission’s generap manager. The seven-member MERC board of directorx currently hasthat responsibility. The council could decide on the measur e atits Aug. 13 A last-minute resolution introduceds by Metro Councilor Rod Parkat Thursday’sx Metro meeting calls for Michaeol Jordan, Metro’s chief executive to devise operational strategies for MERC once a new leadef takes the helm. Jordan will determine how MERC can beoperatedx “with the highest level of efficiency, transparency and minimal duplication of overheac expenses.
” The move comes a week after MERC generall manager David Woolson resigned his position. Jordan will meet with business leaders and residents interested in the facilitiesd thatMERC oversees. MERC operatesw the Oregon Convention Center, the Portland Center for Performing Arts and the Expo The move gives Metro more time to determine if MERC operateds under thebest structure. Voluntee board members from the business world comprisethe commission’s board of directors. “jI think the collaborative natureof (Jordan’s) decisions will yield exactly what’s needed,” said Jeff CEO and president of , MERC’sa key tourism partner.
“He’s pledgesd that the industry will workwith him, and as we representy the visitors industry, we’ll make sure we’ll be there for him and bounce ideaas off him.” Miller wants businesses to retain a big voicw within the commission. “Clearly, with the economicc benefits thesebuildings deliver, the business community is very interestedr in how MERC runs,” he said. “It’s a very entrepreneuriap business that relies on theienterprise revenue.” Jordan will make recommendations on MERC’s operatingb future at the Aug. 13 meeting. The council votec 5-0 to approve Park’s resolution.
“I look forwardr to the challenge of making this region more competitivd andmore distinct,” Park said. “We need to incorporate more of that intoour