Proposals submitted for Terre Haute convention center
TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (Inside INdiana Business) — Three potential operators of a new downtown Terre Haute Convention Center have submitted proposals to the Vigo County Capital Improvement Board. ASM Global, Oak View Group and Spectra are all seeking to conduct the project.
A committee made up of Brad Anderson, Terre Haute Mayor Duke Bennett and David Patterson, along with the CIB’s owner representative, Nations Group, will review the applications and negotiate a deal.
“We are very excited about the quality of applications we have received. Most of the applicants who applied have shown interest in this project for some time and all of the applicants are what my team and I consider operation experts,” states Steve Bauer, Vice President of Nations Group. “They believe wholeheartedly in this project, just as we do.”
The firm chosen to operate the new facility will oversee day-to-day operations, marketing and management, and will work with the Vigo County Convention & Visitors Bureau to secure events. The firm would also manage the budget, maintain building systems and appliances and be responsible for providing food for events.
“We knew from the beginning having an operator who has extensive experience in all operational aspects would be crucial to our short and long-term success. From the pre-construction process to daily operations, each of these operators have experience in making sure we think through every detail,” states Jon Marvel, President of the Vigo County Capital Improvement Board. “We want to break even as soon as possible and build upon our assets to attract more to our community. The board is excited to choose a partner and begin marketing the new facility.”
The chosen firm is expected to be announced in early March, which is when construction would also begin.