Dear %%FIRST%%,
When the Convention Center opened for business nearly 20 years ago, few envisioned the profound benefits our world-class facility would bring to the region. Through the years, we have generated enormous economic benefits, and in FY07 surpassed all expectations breaking long-standing records in several areas which are summarized in the Annual Report.
This year, more than two hundred events were held, and nearly one million people were welcomed to our beautiful bayside building including a record 617,000 out-of-town attendees. Spending by convention visitors generated an all-time high $1.56 billion in regional economic impact. A solid $25.2 million in tax revenue was funneled to the city coffers to pay for important city services like police and fire protection, street maintenance, parks, museums and services that improve the quality of life for all San Diego residents. The business in our building also creates thousands of jobs throughout the county.
Our success is shared and would not be possible without our strategic partners. The San Diego Convention and Visitors Bureau provides outstanding support marketing our destination; the Port of San Diego continues to champion the Convention Center and hotel projects to ensure future business; the local hoteliers offer a more exciting mix of product; and the City of San Diego’s steadfast support helps us remain competitive in a dynamic market.
As we look back on our achievements in this year’s annual report, we look forward to bringing even greater benefits to San Diego in the years ahead.
Best regards,
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Cheryl Kendrick
Chair of the Board
of Directors |
Carol Wallace
President and CEO |
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