The Chattanooga Convention Center's board plans to examine the next budget cycle before making a decision on whether a search will begin to permanently fill the executive director position left vacant in January.
Tim Riddle, who served as the executive director of the center since 1990, resigned last month to return to the private sector.
Jim Hudson, chairman of the Carter Street Corp., said, "It comes down to a matter of dollar and cents and confidence," adding that interim director Mike Shuford has the experience to lead through the end of the fiscal year. The new budget year begins July 1.
Mr. Shuford, who formerly served as the center's assistant director, said he has adjusted well to his new responsibilities.
"The biggest learning curve will be putting together the budget," he said. A final draft of the budget is expected to be ready by March 12 with board approval on March 17.
Officials said January proved to be a solid month bringing in $4.7 million, with an $8,000 increase in event net revenue from the same month last year despite gross revenue declining by $8,000.
Board members noted January's success was in part from "good expense control" by the department heads.