Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: SATURDAY, May 5, 1990 TAG: 9005050193
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: A/3 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: MARK LAYMAN STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
"I think the concept of city-county cooperation and joint funding for the convention and trade center is excellent," Bowers said. "I thought his proposal was appropriate and I am encouraged by it."
The Board of Supervisors endorsed the idea of a convention center three years ago, but it hasn't discussed how the county might share its cost, ownership or management.
Johnson said he plans to bring that up at the supervisors' meeting Tuesday. So far, he said, "I've not had a negative reaction from anyone I've talked to."
The city might not be interested in the idea, but "now is the time to find out," Johnson said.
Bowers said he thinks a convention center would benefit the county economically as well as the city.
This week, council asked the city manager to look into the possibility of increasing the city's lodging tax to help pay for the convention center.
Bowers said an increase in the lodging tax would produce about $1 million a year to help pay for a convention center. Preliminary estimates indicate that up to $2.5 million a year would be needed to finance construction of a center, he said.
Because the center would benefit the county, he said he thinks it would be appropriate for the county to help pay for it.
Johnson said the Roanoke Regional Airport Commission could be the model for a commission that would own and operate the convention center.
Just as Roanoke County has a stake in the airport, it has a stake in travel and tourism in the region, Johnson said. Visitors to the Roanoke Valley spend an estimated $200 million each year.
Other localities, particularly Blacksburg, might want to get in on the convention center, too, he said.
Consultants have recommended that it be built on the site of the railroad office buildings across from the Hotel Roanoke. The city is trying to acquire the site from the railroad, which is constructing a new office building at Williamson and Franklin roads.
Construction of a convention center would tie in with Virginia Tech's plans for the hotel. The railroad gave the hotel to the university last year. Tech plans to contract with corporations from around the country to bring employees to the hotel for training. The convention center could specialize in academic conferences and educational seminars.
Johnson said the convention center also could specialize in serving the furniture industry. "Every trade show for furniture is south of Martinsville, yet Martinsville is the heart of the industry."
The Roanoke Valley now has a modern airport terminal and many attractions to lure convention-goers - including the Blue Ridge Parkway, Smith Mountain Lake and one day, maybe, the Explore project. National surveys have shown the valley is one of the least-expensive convention sites. All it lacks is a convention center, Johnson said.
A regional commission might be able to sell revenue bonds to pay for a convention center, he said. Revenue bonds would be repaid with income from the convention center. That way, a tax increase wouldn't be necessary.
The convention center "could be on its own and self-supporting in four or five years," he predicted.
Board of Supervisors Chairman Dick Robers said Friday, "To me, it sounds like a good idea. The more we can do to work together and cooperate and attract more business to this area, the better."
by CNB