The new Mayor of San Diego, Jerry Sanders, expressed gratitude and thanks to 23 members of the San Diego Convention Center Corporation’s Customer Advisory Board (CAB) last month.  Mayor Sanders took office just five months ago and has already proven to be a strong supporter of the Convention Center and the city’s thriving convention industry.  CAB members, made up of key clients who function as an advisory group to help improve service levels, welcomed the Mayor’s participation.

“We’re very fortunate to have a strong city leader who understands and supports our industry,” said Carol Wallace, the Convention Center Corporation President and CEO.  “In his first few months in office, the Mayor has been an advocate and champion for our facility."

As a result of San Diego’s recent political and budgetary challenges, questions have been raised about what impact, if any, the city’s financial situation could have on convention business.  The Mayor was on-hand to assure clients that his new administration is committed to providing the necessary resources to maintain San Diego’s reputation as one of the top convention destinations in the nation and about other positive changes currently underway.

"We’re very fortunate to have a strong city leader who understands and supports our industry."

“San Diego is excited to have the opportunity to service your meeting needs, and we value the business that you and your attendees bring to our city,” he said.

During a recent press conference, Sanders said that he views the support of “tourism and the convention industry as an investment, generating economic benefits, jobs and tax revenues -- and not a funding obligation.” 

Mayor Sanders, a former chief of police for the City of San Diego, stressed his commitment to maintaining essential city services that help make San Diego such a great convention city.