Dear Editor:
The Barrow County Board of Commissioners and the Barrow County Board of Education are well on their way to building the Northeast Georgia Arts & Convention Center (NGACC).
This $20 million+ facility is being presented as an economic engine supporting the burgeoning arts community of Barrow County. I think most people appreciate the need for our county government to build a facility like a community arts center. After all, the voters approved the SPLOTS and ESPLOTS taxes to construct such a facility in Barrow County.
However, this facility’s additional mission of becoming a convention and entertainment center, as well as an economic engine, needs further evaluation. Before investing $20 million in a business venture, most business professionals would first insist on an independent market study to understand the demand for their service or product. An independent market study for the NGACC would provide valuable insight to general trends in the convention business and market potential here in Barrow County. To my knowledge, our elected officials have not called for an independent market study.
Building an appropriate size facility to support Barrow arts and other community activities is the right thing to do. However, let’s determine if we have a market to support a venue for hosting conventions and entertainment events. Our county government is not flush with cash nor does it have convention and entertainment center development skills. The county could benefit from taking a more calculated approach.
What is the risk of an independent market study? Maybe a smaller facility that would meet the demands of the local community and not require ongoing operating subsidies from taxpayers for years to come. That sounds good to me.
Is there a chance our county elected officials will slow down and recommend on an independent market study for the NGACC? Not unless they hear from you.
Now is the time to call or write your county commissioner or board of education representative and insist on an independent market study for the NGACC project.
I’m sure some of the elected officials and supporters of the NGACC are confident the county would be successful with a convention and entertainment center. Let’s validate that confidence with a professional business like approach and determine if there is a market need for a convention and entertainment center in
Barrow County.
Sincerely,
Jeff Dickerson
Statham
