Commission approves civic center management

The Clovis city commission unanimously approved Philadelphia-based Global Spectrum as the management group for the Clovis Civic Center.

Located on the east edge of Clovis, the center is expected to begin operations by mid-January.

Dean Dennis, a vice president with Global Spectrum, introduced commissioners to Neil McMullin, who Dennis said would be the general manager for his company at the civic center.

McMullin said the center could be used for a variety of events, from “family reunions to consumer-trade shows.”

“I believe there are a lot of people who don’t know how the facility can be a part of their life,” McMullin said. “I feel the ability to book this building, although it will come with time, will be very positive.”

Dennis estimated his company would have up to five full-time employees working in Clovis.

As part of the unanimous vote, the Commission approved an application to the state for a government liquor license for the building.

“I think it’s important for the overall marketing of the facility to have that option,” Dennis said. “When you look at trying to make money off this facility, you try to generate money wherever you can. Certainly, alcoholic beverages are a moneymaker for the facility.”

Global Spectrum will be paid $87,000 annually by the city for management expenses, but the company will have the incentives to earn more through the events booked at the center.

“Most of those don’t kick in until they go past the projected revenue,” Commissioner Randy Crowder said. “They have benchmarks they have to pass before they can get to incentives.”

Also at the special meeting, commissioners approved a bid of $210,000 to LCI2 construction company for the installation of a sewer line to the city’s industrial park south of town.

Chase Gentry of the Clovis Industrial Development Corporation said the funds are part of $472,000 in state capital outlay accumulated over the last three years.

The sewer line is a trunk line that would initially serve 12 to 14 lots at the industrial park. Gentry said that other future projects for the lots will include gas and electric lines — infrastructure he hopes will attract industry to the site.

“The basics have to be there before they even consider it — and that’s not even including the roads,” Gentry said. “But if we can get the basics there, the rest will happen.”