Roanoke Times
Copyright (c) 1995, Landmark Communications, Inc.
DATE: THURSDAY, April 22, 1993 TAG: 9304220073
SECTION: VIRGINIA PAGE: C-1 EDITION: METRO
SOURCE: JOEL TURNER STAFF WRITER
DATELINE: LENGTH: Medium
Such as: Why will the city's head librarian be a member of a special team that will work on the Hotel Roanoke Conference Center project for six months?
Herbert conceded that it is an unlikely role for Beverly James, city librarian for five years. It doesn't fit the image of a librarian: a quiet and shy person whose joy is books.
But Herbert was prepared.
James, 39, is "one of the aggressive, bright young managers in city government," he said.
In recent years, James has been involved in several city programs outside the library, and has expressed an interest in working on more nonlibrary projects.
Herbert cited her management and computer-research skills in appointing her to the team. She has already researched several hundred magazine articles on conference centers.
James, a Lexington native, also has experience in working with architects and engineers on the construction of branch libraries in North Carolina and Kentucky, where she worked before coming to Roanoke. She was branch services director in Charlotte, N.C.
James has an interest in public administration and has considered seeking a doctorate in the field. "This will help me determine whether I might do that," she said.
The special team also includes Brian Wishneff, chief of economic development, and Kim Duncan, executive secretary in the Economic Development Department.
Wishneff, who has been involved in the planning and negotiations for the hotel project, will head the effort.
The team will direct development of the conference center from a physical and operational standpoint, Herbert said.
It will begin work Monday in a suite in the Central Fidelity Bank building downtown.
Herbert said he created the special team because there are many details to be resolved in the next few months.
"There are many, many questions still to be answered," he said. "Due to the special nature of the project, I believe it needs a special team to help oversee it."
The team will also work with Alvin Nash, deputy director of Total Action Against Poverty, who will try to ensure that local, small and minority-owned businesses get part of the work on the hotel project.
The city team also will work with Virginia Tech officials who are assigned to the project.
The $13 million conference center, being financed with public funds, will be owned by the city. The $29 million hotel renovation is being financed with private funds and a $6 million federal loan.
The special team will visit other conference centers, meet with potential users of the center to determine their needs and protect the city's financial interests in the project.
The team will also oversee the purchase and installation of equipment.
Plans for the conference center are in the design and layout phase. "We will have to finalize them," James said.
Other city employees will be reassigned to handle the ongoing workload for the team members.
Emily Keyser, the top assistant to James, will be acting city librarian. Phil Sparks, an economic development administrator, will be acting economic chief.
by CNB