Dalton: Promise seen for trade center

DALTON, Ga. — The new managers of the trade center here are optimistic about securing bigger events and generating more revenue.

In January, venue management firm Global Spectrum took the helm of the Northwest Georgia Trade and Convention Center.

Philadelphia-based Global Spectrum operates more than 75 facilities around the world, including the home of the Philadelphia 76ers, the Wachovia Center.

Global Spectrum appointed Shashank Gairola as the trade center’s center manager last month. Mr. Gairola, 27, a native of Philadelphia, said Dalton’s facility, which opened in 1991, has plenty of positives.

“Our immediate goal is to be great corporate citizens,” he said. “We want to make this a great sense of pride in the community. We think we can make some great changes here and go from there.”

Mr. Gairola said Global Spectrum’s connections should help bring new, exciting attractions.

Harvey Neal, chairman of the board of the Trade and Convention Center Authority, said the facility will continue with events such as knife and gun shows, Civil War trade shows and sporting events.

The quarterfinal of the North Division, Region AAA high school basketball tournament was here on Saturday.

Global Spectrum has retained the previous trade center administrative staff and added directors of marketing and finance.

The trade center lost $97,000 its first month under Global Spectrum and has traditionally lost money. But Mr. Neal said most publicly owned convention centers do. It’s primarily funded through the hotel/motel tax, but adds value because it generates funds for the community’s other businesses.

Mr. Neal, general manager of La Quinta Inn in Dalton, said his hotel has reaped added occupancy from trade center events.

“It’s just a venue for all kinds of community events and an economic generator,” he said, resulting in hotel stays, restaurant meals and retail sales.