Dear Editor:
Reasons why the proposed conference center will be a financial albatross.
No business and marketing plan (required by banks but the taxpayers won't notice).
Ignored the warnings from the consultants, Garfield Traub and Johnson, who were paid over $100K for their input. Their predictions on the number of annual events, while similar, are unattainable. A simple review of a calendar year, considering weekends and holidays, will prove that point. Flooding and its potential will also affect the outcome.
Combining the exhibition space and the banquet hall into one large room; however, each have different electrical, lighting, ceiling height, room access, noise abatement, flooring, furniture and equipment requirements.
Food and beverage for a hotel and a conference center are vastly different, and cannot be served from the same kitchen (two master chefs in the same kitchen is unworkable).
Fixtures, furniture and equipment for a hotel and a conference center are also vastly different. Knowledgeable meeting planners will balk at this.
The Ehrhardts and Farmers (and sub contractors) lack the necessary experience to manage and market a conference center.
Re the Ehrhardts: the land is owned by the state and the parking facility must be paid by the city (plus the land.) So how many existing area hotels have experienced a similar boost to their properties? And the Ehrhardts require free use of the parking facility, which means that local citizens cannot use it when conferences are in town.
Re the Farmers: how will hotel customers and conference attendees have use of the open parking areas that conflict with mall shoppers? And attendees, usually in business attire, don't like to walk in inclement weather.
Unless there has been a change, the Farmers will spend a portion of the four percent lodging tax funds for the hotel construction phase. According to the city's promise this is not permitted.
The city does not yet have the promised $9M. How will this be dispensed?
Restroom facilities within the conference center itself are inadequate to serve the needs of a large number of attendees. Requiring them to return to their hotel rooms is not a solution.
In spite of the above, our civic leaders want this pet project. Be prepared, fellow citizens, you will be required to make up the shortfall. Or, due to a lack of funds, will services be significantly reduced?
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