Cobo Center announces executive management changes

Dec 10, 2012

DETROIT December 10, 2012 -- Thom Connors, regional vice president and general manager of Cobo Center/SMG announced today the hiring of Scott Balutowicz as the new director of human resources, and the promotion of Cedric Turnbore to senior operations manager at Cobo Center.

“We are fortunate to have Scott on our team,” said Connors. “He is an approachable and hands-on HR leader, who has a track record of approaching challenges with a process improvement mindset. He brings a new energy and a good deal of experience to the table.”

Balutowicz comes from Lafarge North America in Southfield MI, and is a senior professional of human resources (SPHR) with the Society of Human Resource Management. He is a certified trainer in leadership and service for Achieve Global, a published author, featured speaker and organizer of various, national HR conferences.

Turnbore’s promotion comes from three years of dedicated service as Manager of Production Services for Cobo Center. While overseeing vendor contract services, he supervises the training and performance of production service staff in Cobo Center, ensuring a welcoming event experience for customers. In his new post, he will continue to oversee set up, cleaning and housekeeping in Cobo, and coordinate the safety and Green initiatives in the facility. Previously, he received the Manager of the Year award from Marriott Hotels and was nominated three times for the prestigious Rose Award.

“I am confident that with Cedric as my right hand in the final stages of Cobo Center’s operational transformation, we will be sailing smooth waters,” said Claude Molinari, assistant general manager at Cobo Center. “He is the best of the best.”

About Cobo Center: With 723,000 square feet of exhibit space, Cobo Center boasts one of the largest
contiguous exhibit floor spaces in North America and is the 19th largest convention center in the country.
Visit online at www.cobocenter.com

About SMG: Since 1977, SMG has provided management services to more than 220 public assembly
facilities including arenas, stadiums, theatres and performing arts centers, equestrian facilities and
convention, congress and exhibition centers. Visit www.smgworld.com for more information.

About the DRCFA: On 9/15/09, operational control of Cobo Center transferred to the Detroit Regional
Convention Facility Authority, under a collaborative agreement by the Michigan State Legislature, the City of Detroit, and Wayne, Oakland and Macomb counties. Each of these entities has an appointed member on the DRCFA Board. Larry Alexander is Chairman the Board as the member appointed by the Governor of the State of Michigan. For more information visit: http://www.drcfa.org/