Business reps discuss events center options

Carson Valley and Carson City business representatives will meet Monday to discuss possibilities for a regional events center and fairgrounds.

The discussion with the Carson Valley Chamber of Commerce will take place during the Carson City Convention & Visitors Bureau Board of Directors meeting, which begins at 5:30 p.m. at the Carson City Community Center Sierra Room, 851 E. William St.

The two business organizations have been looking at prospects for a joint-county events center along the lines of the Reno Livestock Center.

Carl Ribaudo of Strategic Marketing Group in South Lake Tahoe will assist with the discussion to focus on designing the request for proposal for a feasibility study for the project.

A new, joint-county events center is not intended as a replacement for the existing fairgrounds in the two counties.

Organizations such as the 4-H clubs that currently use the smaller fairgrounds would probably continue to be better served by them. A large events center would likely be beyond their budgets.

Yet the possible uses for an events center in the area are promising enough for a closer look and could address tourism issues faced by both counties.

In addition to the joint meeting, the Carson City Convention & Visitors Bureau will also:

-- consider a resolution regarding a room tax increase to assist in funding the V&T Railroad reconstruction project.

-- consider funding $1,500 for 2002 and $2,000 in 2003 for the Economic Vitality Strategic Plan Project.

For more information on the meeting call the visitors bureau at (775) 687-7410.