April 2005
Tempo picks up as NHC opening nears  (The Times-Picayune; 04/24/05)
The Northshore Harbor Center's Lagniappe Event  (IAAM Facility Manager Magazine; April/May 2005 Issue)
Louisiana's Newest Convention & Event Center Holds Grand Opening May 20-22  (NHC Press Release; 04/12/05)
Everybody Needs a Friend   (Slidell Monthly; 04/08/05)
Northshore Harbor Center Coming Attractions  (Sophisticated Woman Magazine; 04/05)
The Northshore Harbor Center  (Inside Northside Magazine; 04/05)
Northshore Harbor Center Television Spot  (WDSU Television)
March 2005
Northshore Harbor Center gears up for May 20 opening  (Slidell Sentry-News; 03/15/05)
Rotary helps celebrate Harbor Center's completion  (Slidell Sentry-News; 03/01/05)
February 2005
The next time you walk into a public building...  (Slidell Monthly; 02/04/05)
Plan is cooking for center kitchen  (The Times-Picayune; 02/03/05)
Harbor Center bench to honor Lion  (The Times-Picayune; 02/03/05)
January 2005
As the Harbor Center readies for its future to begin, we pause to recognize...   (Slidell Monthly; 01/19/05)
November 2004
100-year time capsule planned for event center  (The Times-Picayune; 11/14/04)
Harbor center to seat fund-raising board  (The Times-Picayune; 11/04/04)
Harbor Center delay not all bad  (The Times-Picayune; 11/04/04)
October 2004
Harbor Center hires sales, events managers, director of operations   (Slidell Sentry-News; 10/25/04)
Oct. 31 is the deadline for nonprofit organizations to participate...  (The Times-Picayune; 10/21/04)
September 2004
Harbor center board OKs new nonprofit  (The Times-Picayune; 09/16/04)
Center panel votes to retain 5-mill rate  (The Times-Picayune; 09/12/04)
A chance to put your name in lights  (The Times-Picayune; 09/02/04)
July 2004
Northshore books first big events   (Slidell Sentry-News; 07/23/04)
Events center sells $5 million bond to Tenn. firm   (Slidell Sentry-News; 07/16/04)
Events center bond gets OK   (The Times-Picayune; 07/15/04)
How about a seat named just for you?   (The Times-Picayune; 07/11/04)
Construction OK to save center 60 days   (The Times-Picayune; 07/04/04)
May 2004
Panel plans bond sale on July 14   (The Times-Picayune; 05/16/04)
April 2004
$5 million more for Harbor Center to make huge positive impact (Slidell Sentry-News; 04/20/04)
Harbor Center seeks community support (Slidell Sentry-News; 04/06/04)
March 2004
Painter named to tourism post (Slidell Sentry-News; 03/16/04)
Northshore Harbor Center has new leader (The Times-Picayune; 03/07/04)
The Northshore Harbor Center was the focus... (Slidell Sentry-News; 03/05/04)
February 2004
Harbor Center Considers Sponsorship (Slidell Sentry-News; 02/13/04)
$5 million found for group (Slidell Sentry-News; 02/12/04)
Events center seeks bonds (The Times-Picayune; 02/12/04)
December 2003
Harbor funding plan offered (Slidell Sentry-News; 12/12/03)
October 2003
A list of prices, policies... (Slidell Sentry-News; 10/10/03)
September 2003
After 19 years, Joe Anderson's work finally... (Slidell Sentry-News; 09/15/03)
Contract signed to build events center (The Times-Picayune; 09/11/03)
Business forum to be held in conjunction with 9-11 aftermath (Slidell Sentry News; 09/02/03)
August 2003
Harbor center panel OKs bid (The Times-Picayune; 08/14/03)
July 2003
Bids for Northshore Harbor Center get engineering approval (Slidell Sentry News; 07/31/03)
Representatives of the East St. Tammany Events Center District Commission will... (The Times-Picayune; 07/27/03)
Harbor Center bids bring concerns for facility (Slidell Sentry-News; 07/17/03)
Bids opened on Northshore Center (The Times-Picayune; 07/16/03)
Parish to build access road for events center (The Times-Picayune; 07/13/03)
June 2003
Harbor Center has another minor delay in moving to construction start (Slidell Sentry News; 06/25/03)
May 2003
Tourism panel's plan tweaks state cash flow... (The Times Picayune; 05/18/03)
April 2003
Events center construction bid date May 1 (The Times-Picayune; 04/17/03)
Harbor Center aiming for construction to begin as early as this summer (Slidell Sentry News; 04/13/03)
February 2003
Events center panel prepares for manager (The Times-Picayune; 02/16/03)

Tempo picks up as NHC opening nears

By Ann Barks
Contributing writer

With increasing speed, major equipment and furnishing purchases at the Northshore Harbor Center are expected to keep its board of commissioners busy with committee and special meetings over the next month in order to approve contracts and accept bids for everything from chairs to beverage vendors in time for the facility's grand opening.

At its regular meeting this month, the board was told by space and functions committee chair Graydon Hass that the events center's general contractor was still projecting a substantial completion date for the building of May 5. While "substantial completion" means the building is ready for the fire marshal's approval to open to the public, there will likely be months of minor "punch list" items left to do.

Nonetheless, Hass said it's a target date that the commissioners had planned on in setting the May 20-22 opening weekend date.

In addition to that report, the commissioners received an update on the response for the opening weekend's activities and approved several bids. General Manager Kerry Painter reported that among the anticipated bids in the next few weeks were those for construction of the kitchen facility as well as the beverage supplier.

In an update on the opening weekend, May 20-22, Painter said Gov. Kathleen Blanco was still the hoped-for headline guest for a ribbon-cutting ceremony May 20 at 10 a.m.

The opening weekend's kickoff event, a business fair, is set for May 20 from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. At a cost of $25 per booth, more than 50 businesses have reserved spots. While the vast majority of those businesses have signed up in response to the Greater Slidell Chamber of Commerce's promotion of the fair to its members, the West St. Tammany Chamber of Commerce has now begun inviting its members to also reserve booth space, Painter said.

Sponsorships obtained by the Friends of Northshore Harbor Center for the Saturday night fund-raising gala, "Rhythms in Black and White," have reached $32,000 and more than 200 tickets have been sold, Painter said.

On May 22, a "Blue Jeans, Bandanas and BBQ Sunday" will be held from 1-5 p.m. This family event will feature carnival games sponsored by St. Margaret Mary Church, country music and barbecue dinners. Like Friday's events, this day is also free to the public.

For information on the opening weekend, call 781-3650.

The commissioners' next meeting is May 11 at 7:30 a.m.

It only took 20 years to become a reality, but it looks like the Northshore Harbor Center in Slidell, Louisiana will finally open its doors: May 20, 2005. General Manager Kerry Painter is determined to make this event something unlike anything Louisiana has ever seen.

While the opening will of course include the usual ribbon cutting and speeches, the Harbor Center is also looking to be a bit unique with two second-line parades, sky trackers and a red carpet leading to world famous pianist Ronnie Kole playing favorites in the lobby.

Painter says, “It is only by the grace of God and the diligent effort made by the board of commissioners and Harbor Center staff that we will open this facility in May. While we take nothing for granted, we plan to make this opening an explosion of the senses and make it an event to remember.” Every day is an adventure. That’s the attitude to describe the years leading up to the grand opening. “In a single day I can research fire hydrants and the difference between certified sod and plain-old sod, make coffee for and run the same meeting, give a tour of the construction site for a group of prospective caterers and have a conversation about sails with an artist in Maine,” says Painter. With such a small staff it is expected that everyone pick up their share of definitely “odd” jobs.

The Northshore Harbor Center has chosen the tag “Lagniappe Every Day.” While a common word regionally, the rest of the industry is usually intrigued by the marketing ploy. “It’s about inspiring conversation. If I can get someone to ask what lagniappe means, it gives me a chance to tell them about our superior customer service. Lagniappe means ‘something extra-unexpected.’ That’s what we want our clients and community to take away from their Harbor Center experience. We are definitely something unexpected.”

Louisiana's Newest Convention & Event Center Holds Grand Opening May 20-22

Media Contact:    Kathy Lowrey    
                        Northshore Harbor Center
                        985-285-6393
                        klowrey@harborcenter.org

Slidell, Louisiana - The long-awaited Northshore Harbor Center in Slidell, Louisiana has scheduled its grand opening for May 20-22, 2005. The versatility of the 45,000 square foot facility will be highlighted by the diversity of events that will take place. Friday will feature a 10am ribbon cutting, a Chamber of Commerce Business Fair with local businesses showing their wares and offering freebies from 11am to 6pm, and will culminate when the building turns into Kid's Zone from 4pm to 6pm. Kid's Zone will feature performances by and for local kids, dollar hot dogs and tons of fun. On Saturday the center will be transformed into the epitome of elegance as it holds the "Rhythms in Black and White Gala." As guests stroll in on the red carpet, dressed in their favorite black and white attire, they will be treated to the sounds of world-renowned Ronnie Kole. Saturday's Gala will also feature dinner, a toast, the Big Band sounds of Leif Pederson, the Mo'Town Revue (live from Las Vegas), and Jubilation. Tickets for the Gala are a bargain at only fifty dollars. The flurry of activities will culminate on Sunday with "Blue Jeans, Bandanas and BBQ Sunday." The day will include carnival games, country music by Chopique and Bobby Ohler, and mouth-watering barbeque. Friday and Sunday's events are free and open to the public.

Click here to view a printable Northshore Harbor Center Grand Opening information sheet, complete with grand opening events schedule.

Everybody needs a friend!

By Kerry Painter

We at the Northshore Harbor Center had no idea what could happen when you comprise a second board of some of the most prominent civic and community leaders in Slidell and then set them loose planning an event. They are the people with the least time to give and yet they manage to give up a lunch hour once a month and countless behind-the-scenes hours to make the Northshore Harbor Center the best possible facility.

When asked to Chair this extraordinary group, Kevin Davis, St, Tammany's Parish President immediately said yes. No hesitation, no pause…his next response, "the Northshore Harbor Center will be a strong contributor in making life in St. Tammany Parish even better. From hosting business meetings to aiding our arts and tourism economy, this new events center is a strong asset."

Their first project for this team is planning all aspects of the Harbor Center's Grand Opening Gala, and it could not be turning out more successfully. In November they are tasked with creating a consumer food show in conjunction with the Kansas City BBQ cook-off. You'll want to mark your calendars to attend, there'll be food samples, cooking demonstrations, coupons, free give-aways and cookware for sale. It'll be a fun weekend all about food!

The idea for a 501c3 Board always seemed grand in theory, yet like many of our non-traditional methods it's turning out to be an exciting project. The Friends of the Harbor Center is charged with raising monies for the facility to then be used for the production or purchase of events which will enhance the community's life or increase economic development. Having funds in reserve will also allow the center to bid on athletic events such as karate tournaments or wrestling matches that we would otherwise not be likely to be able to book. Lofty goals, of course but we'd rather reach for the stars than let budgets constrain our possibilities.

The Friends of the Harbor Center Board is comprised of Dr. Gill Leary, Sam Smalley, Stephanie Jacobs, Bonnie Taliancich, Lionel Washington, Chris Weinberg, Brice Jones,
Dr. Peter Galvin, Gardner Kole, Boni Johnson, Mike O'Bryan, Hyatt Hood, Kevin Davis,
Michelle Pichon, Brenda Reine, and Merryanne Welsh.

We give our sincerest gratitude to these people for committing so much of their time and talents to our future success. Tickets for the "Rhythms in Black and White" Opening Night Gala can be purchased by calling 985.781.3650 or contacting any of our Friends."

Northshore Harbor Center
Coming Attractions

All good things come to those who wait, and no where is this truer than in the case of the Northshore Harbor Center. The culmination of 20 years of tireless effort by business and civic leaders, this convention and event facility is slated to open this May.

Located in Slidell just off the first I-10 exit north of Lake Pontchartrain, the Northshore Harbor Center is designed to capitalize on the need for a world-class convention center that can serve both the Greater New Orleans and Gulf Coast regions. The 45,000 square foot state-of-the-art facility and accompanying 90,000 square feet of outdoor lawn, is designed to shift shape and adjust to a wide variety of events: from trade conventions to carnivals, Mardi Gras balls to boxing matches. It can house the Louisiana Philharmonic one evening and a set of several conference suites the next morning, and a grand ballroom for a 300-guest wedding that night. If you can imagine it, the Northshore Harbor Center can contain it.

Getting a structure like this up and running is no small task. It takes tireless work ethic, collaboration and creative enthusiasm. Perhaps then it is no surprise that behind the scenes of this venture are three very accomplished women who bring their own experiences and flair to the project: Kerry Painter, Carmen Toft and Kathy Lowrey. Together they form the heart and soul core of the project. Their flexibility, creativity and downright amenability seem to mirror the building that they run.

General Manager Kerry Painter was attracted to Slidell nearly two years ago in part because she likes a challenge. An experienced and proven building management professional, the Northshore Harbor Center’s civic and business development mission appealed to her.

“Most recently I had worked on the construction and opening of the new City Hall of San Francisco,” Kerry explains. “It was a huge project. By day it is a government building. With quality of life amenities like a café, stores, and a daycare center. At night it turns into an event hall for parties and galas. But the next day, it is a functioning government building again.”

Kerry spends a lot of time talking to local Chambers of Commerce and civic groups introducing and updating them on the progress of the Northshore Harbor Center. “The greatest challenge is to convey the scope and vision of this project. This is a community building, yes. But it is much more than a civic auditorium. For example, the entryway will have top grade hotel lobby finishes and the finest amenities. Our motto for this project was that good enough is not good enough. We want to be fantastic, different and more. We will be competing with centers in major cities around the country for world-class events. But at the same time we can flexibly accommodate local community events. We never lose sight of the fact that this is the people’s building.”

Kerry’s tireless energy can be seen in her daily schedule. In one day she spoke to a state representative about funding, shot a Channel 6 commercial, conducted a tour for 40 local 4th and 6th graders and showed them how to pour concrete, chose pink paint for the expectant/new mom parking spaces, opened a bid for client services vendors, and hired two employees.

If Kerry leads the thrust for getting the Northshore Harbor Center operations, Sales and Marketing Manager Kathy Lowrey is the one whose job it is to get the calendar booked with events. With over a decade in the local tourism business, she’s marketed New Orleans group tour packages, events at Ripley’s Believe It Or Not in the French Quarter and even swamp tours for naturalists. She has her finger on the pulse of the demands that conventions and groups have on the local tourism industry.

“A facility like the Northshore Harbor Center is long overdue,” says Kathy. “There has been a growing need for a space that could service both the New Orleans area and the Gulf Coast. Slidell is midway between two major airports, and it is in a community that in and of itself has a need for an event hall that can accommodate carnival floats, events of more than 200 people and large spaces for auto and trade shows.”

Kathy already has the following events on the booking calendar for the Northshore Harbor Center: 3,000-person crawfish boil, a food consumer show, several large weddings, a national craft show, and an Episcopal Diocesan convention. She spends her time encouraging people to think outside the box for their smaller events like proms, dance recitals, graduations, concerts, luncheons and theatre productions.

Once the events are booked, Events Manager Carmen Toft coordinates all the details, from 50-foot simulcast screens to color coordinated tablecloths. For two years she was the company manager for a world-wide touring production company, VEE Corporation (Sesame Street Live! was one of their shows), so she’s accustomed to being able to “keep a lot of balls in the air at one time.”

“When you tour, there are always little adjustments to make. The key is to stay open to change and to be creative,” says Carmen. She admits that some of the best ideas come out of unexpected situations. “Right now I’ve been doing a lot of the planning for our opening events. We want to show the community the flexibility of the Northshore Harbor Center. So we have a business and community oriented trade show on a Friday, an exquisite gala on a Saturday, and a family barbeque and carnival on a Sunday. People could attend all three events and feel like they’ve been in three totally different locations.”

And let’s not forget the fourth sophisticated woman, Emily Generes, who supports these women everyday. Mark your calendars for the weekend of May 20 and call to purchase your Gala tickets now.

The Northshore Harbor Center is located in Slidell. For more information, visit their website www.northshoreharborcenter.com or call 985-781-3650.

© G & A Publishing 2003 - G & A Publishing Company, An Affiliate of Gallinghouse & Associates, Inc.

The Northshore Harbor Center

by Stacey Paretti Rase

The new Northshore Harbor Center in Slidell offers event organizers more than a little bit of Louisiana lagniappe, the unexpected extras that make it a unique and special place. General Manager Kerry Painter says, “We said that we wanted something Louisiana has never seen before, and the team made it happen.”

After its Grand Opening May 20-22, the center will be a great option for conferences, tradeshows, performances, social events and athletic tournaments. With capacity for more than 2,500 people, the space houses a recital hall, meeting rooms, a glass-walled lounge and a huge exhibit space. Designed by Blitch Knevel Architects, the 45,000-square-foot facility is a conference center for the future—tech savvy, but warm and accommodating.

Surrounded by greenery, the center is designed to be as peaceful as it is functional and flexible. The three meeting rooms can be combined into one or two larger rooms, and the 22,000-square-foot free-span Grand Hall can be configured into two large or five small rooms to meet various needs. The center is perfect for hosting events such as Mardi Gras balls, wedding receptions, fundraisers, corporate meetings, car shows or athletic matches. An elegant 297-fixed-seats recital hall is available for smaller gatherings like business lectures, music performances or film series showings.

The center offers a theatre configuration that boasts more than 2,000 seats. It is ideal for stage shows, concerts, graduations and dance recitals, as well as touring productions and children’s theatre. With an indoor/outdoor box office, full grand drape and a 24-foot-by-36-foot stage, the look of a professional theatre can be attained in the middle of the center’s Grand Hall.

Other features that make the Northshore Harbor Center distinctive are its 90,000 square feet of lawn—ideal for picnics and weddings—and ample bathroom facilities, many of which can be utilized for either men or women, depending on the event. For carnival gatherings, a three-truck dock and roll-up door allow trucks or floats access to the floor of the Grand Hall. Additional amenities include complimentary wireless computer access in the center’s lobby, oval dinner tables to foster conversation and save space, and special parking spaces for expectant mothers and parents of young children.

Painter has organized a staff experienced in event planning and attentive to detail. The combination of state-of-the-art design and convenient location will make hosting an upcoming function at the Northshore Harbor Center as great an option for local organizations as it will be for meeting planners from across the country.

Just 30 minutes away from the New Orleans French Quarter and 45 minutes from the Gulf Coast, the center is at the crossroads of three interstate highways and close to two airports. It has access to more than 1,400 hotel rooms, golf courses, nature preserves, family activities and great restaurants.

Funded by bond millages approved by local residents, and operationally supported by the St. Tammany Hotel/Motel Association, the center enjoys enthusiastic cooperation from the local community. The Northshore Harbor Center will be a strong contributor to economic development in St. Tammany Parish, in addition to providing area residents with a great new place to gather for a host of events and occasions.

The Northshore Harbor Center is located across from Lakeshore Estates at 100 Harbor Center Blvd. in Slidell. For information, call 781-3650, or visit www.northshoreharborcenter.com.

Copyright 2005, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.

Click below to view Northshore Harbor Center's recent WDSU television spot.
View News Video

Northshore Harbor Center gears up for May 20 opening

By Aileen Ruli

SLIDELL -- After years of delays and financial worries, the Northshore Harbor Center is finally progressing at full speed, according to organizers, with a grand opening scheduled in May.
"It's coming along amazingly," said General Manager Kerry Painter. "There's so much going on."

The East St. Tammany Events Center Commission, which oversees the Northshore Harbor Center, recently voted to name Centerplate its in-house caterer.

Centerplate is a national catering company that does catering for the Superdome and the New Orleans Arena. Much of the company's staff lives on the Northshore, said Painter. If those hosting an event wish to use another caterer, they still have that option, said Painter, but it will require a percentage fee to the building.

Friday, May 20 will mark the beginning of a weekend-long celebration of the Harbor Center's opening. The festivities will be kicked off with a ribbon cutting ceremony at 10 a.m., followed by a second-line parade into the building.

From 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., a free business fair will be held at the center with the goal of showcasing 100 local businesses, said Painter. There will also be free giveaways every hour. >From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m., the radio station Kool 95.7 will be on hand for entertainment and even more giveaways, prizes and raffles.

The Harbor Center invites all children to celebrate at 4 p.m. that same day with a special second line parade for kids followed by children's performances such as karate, clogging and other dances. Hot dogs and drinks will be sold for $1 each.

Saturday, May 21, the Northshore Harbor Center will hold its "Rythms in Black and White" gala at 6 p.m. This event costs $50 a ticket and includes a cocktail hour with champagne and appetizers, music by Ronnie Kole, a sit down dinner, dessert and entertainment by Motown Gold Review of Las Vegas.

"The goal is to fill the building, not to make a profit," said Painter.

All gala attendants are asked to wear black and white.

"This gala will be amazingly different than what anyone's used to," said Painter.

Sunday, May 22, from 1 to 5 p.m., the center will host Blue Jeans, Bandanas and Barbecue, a casual event for the whole family with carnival games sponsored by St. Margaret Mary's Catholic Church.

The Northshore Harbor Center is already booked for several upcoming events including a reptile show, a dog show, church festivities and Christmas performances.

"It's kind of interesting to see the variety of things we're getting," said Painter.

There are also three weddings booked at the center so far, and even more e-mail inquiries, said Painter.

"We didn't realize we would be so popular for weddings," she said.

The St. Tammany Parish Tourist and Convention Commission reports that it has received about 44,000 requests for information on where to hold meetings, conferences or other group events in St. Tammany in 2005.

For more information on Northshore Harbor Center, call (985) 781-3650

Rotary helps celebrate Harbor Center's completion

By Aileen Ruli

SLIDELL -- About 60 people came out for a flag raising ceremony at the Northshore Harbor Center Wednesday.

The event was one of two projects undertaken by the Rotary Club of Slidell Northshore to celebrate the Rotary's centennial. According to Harbor Center General Manager Kerry Painter, the club donated $20,000 to create a commemorative garden containing three flags and a plaque honoring the Northshore Harbor Center. The American flag sits in the garden with the Slidell flag on one side and the flag of St. Tammany Parish on the other.

This year's Greater Slidell Area Chamber of Commerce Leadership Slidell class attended the ceremony, along with the leadership class of the St. Tammany West Chamber of Commerce.

The leadership classes are designed to prepare people for leadership positions in local government, business and community affairs.

The Rotary Club of Slidell Northshore has also taken on the task of soliciting sponsors for tree-planting along city streets. That program, entitled "Re-Leaf Slidell - Planting Trees for Tomorrow" has been a success, with over 300 trees planted on Pontchartrain Drive.

The Northshore Harbor Center is expected to boost the local economy with the capacity to accommodate over 2,500 people. It will host conferences, meetings, trade shows and other events.

The events center has already booked its first few events, including a 400 person Christmas event held by Northshore Regional Medical Center in December.

It has also booked the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana Convention, which is expected to bring 500 people from southeast Louisiana to Slidell in March 2006. Officials expect attendees to spend around $37,000 on hotels, and an additional $19,000 gas and food.

By Kerry Painter

The next time you walk into a public building take a moment to look around and notice all the fixtures that are in the lobby and the facility. Is there a trashcan to deposit your empty coffee cup? Is there a bench or chair to sit on while you are waiting? Were you able to wipe your feet on a floor mat when you came in? Is there signage and a brochure rack?

How did those things get there and are they really necessary? These are some of the conveniences we all take for granted, but surprisingly someone had to ensure they are all there for your safety and convenience.

Someone actually has to think about each one, price it, determine what style and color will be suitable or that the budget can afford, etc… Now you have a picture of the additional things the Harbor Center staff is arranging to make sure the facility is the best it can be.

Putting up a building is not just about construction issues, permits or fire regulations but it also includes the necessities and décor that enhance the visitor experience and satisfaction.

So who is going to make this magically happen?

Currently I have a staff of three-Carmen Toft Event Manager, Nicole Rodrique, Sales Manager and Art Beaudoin Operations Director.

All three are anxiously awaiting the opening and in the meantime are diligently assisting in the completion of the building and pre-opening preparations.

The Event Manager Carmen will ultimately be the client's best friends as she co-ordinates their successful events, but currently she is putting together bids and proposals to purchase event furnishings, which include items such as chairs, tables and even stages. She is also involved in writing an RFP to sell the naming rights for the building. As a government facility it is very important that ethical bid laws to purchase and build are strictly adhered to. Carmen is quickly becoming an expert in this area.

Our Sales Manager Nicole Rodrique is aggressively booking the building for a variety of uses. Her philosophy is "At this point the building can be used for anything you can imagine." She recently met with a church to help create their Christmas production and just wrote a contract for a 600 guest wedding.

Opening weekend for the Convention Center will be a three-day extravaganza and all the staff and our non-profit fundraising group "Friend's of the Harbor Center" are debating the entertainment, food and ceremony as it looms near.

Operations Director Art Beaudoin is our newest addition to the staff, and he is consumed with fire evacuation routes, phone systems, kitchen construction, first aid kits, and floor plans while of course still adhering to those dreaded budgeting and purchasing challenges.

A flurry of activity is all around us as we "walk in the shoes of our guests". Should there be sound in the lobby, should the carpets be blue, and how about table skirts are they blue to? Should the chairs flex back so the person in an eight hour meeting can feel comfortable, if the ballet is dancing will the stage make noise when they jump disturbing the guest in the audience, or how many seats are left with a symphony and a ballet performing together?

Unending questions and exciting answers…….. this is how we currently spend our day at the Harbor Center.

Who would have thought that floor mat was so important !!

If you wish to visit the Northshore Harbor Center and experience the progress of construction first-hand tours are available with Nicole Rodrigue at 985-285-6393.

Plan is cooking for center kitchen

By Ann Barks
Contributing writer

After it looked like the kitchen at the Northshore Harbor Center was out of the recipe, the center's board of directors may have found the right ingredients to add the critical food facilities needed to cater special events.

At a recent special meeting of the board, the low bid to build the center's additional wing that would have housed a circular lobby, a 297-seat recital room and three meeting rooms was rejected. Upon reviewing the available financing for the project, there was not enough money to do the project.

The board tried to negotiate the low bid of $2,798,900 by Roy Frischhertz Construction of Jefferson down to the available $2.6 million. But the revised bid came in at $2,698,900.

However, the board unanimously agreed to go forward with a creative option proposed by General Manager Kerry Painter that includes the construction of a kitchen, cited by the board's Marketing and Development committees as critical to successful marketing of the center. The cost of the option is about $2.5 million.

In looking at what the local community and market needs in the center, board Chairman Deb Morel said the board's only option was to look at the financing available and maximize its use to "do what will contribute most back to the building."

Painter's suggestion is to alter the building design to eliminate the proposed wing and instead, build the kitchen and buy portable equipment that could be set up inside the building's main large space, the Great Hall. This plan would enable the hall to be used as a 500-seat theater for recitals and concerts, as well as sporting events. The portable equipment would include a raised stage, lights and 500 elevated seats.

The reconfiguration would make available a larger recital hall than would have been constructed in the additional wing. Other elements of that wing, the meeting rooms, are not as critical to marketing the facility as the kitchen, the board concluded. Under Painter's proposal, the storage space that would have been in that wing will be replaced by constructing an outside storage building.

The board unanimously agreed to have its design architects prepare an updated design and to bid out a project that would now place the kitchen as the top priority. They would also like to take bids on an alternative that, if the bids come in within available financing, would allow for the construction of the circular lobby lounge. Members said the lounge is an architectural design that is important to the building's aesthetics.

The estimate for building the kitchen, with equipment, is $1.5 million. An additional $827,288 is the estimated cost for purchase of the 500 elevated seats, sound reinforcements in the Great Hall, the outside storage building, irrigation and landscaping and the theater package and lights.

The board agreed to seek bids for these purchases as well as the construction of a sidewalk and the revisions that will be needed to reinforce what will now be the exterior wall of the building. They restricted that bid to not exceed $1 million.

Additionally, the board voted to set aside a reserve fund of $623,000 to cover anticipated operating expenses for the first few years the center is open. Board member Leif Pedersen noted that feasibility studies had shown from the project's planning stages that events centers typically run deficits in their first three to five years of operations.

Harbor Center bench to honor Lion

By Carol Wolfram
St. Tammany bureau

When the Northshore Harbor Center opens its doors this spring, Bob Gambrell will already have a reserved seat.

Gambrell, a 25-year-plus member of the Slidell Noon Lions Club, will have a bench on site at the multipurpose events center dedicated in his name.

Gambrell was recognized last Thursday by members of the club that has been one of his passions for more than a quarter century.

In addition to participating in nearly every project the club has undertaken during that time, Gambrell is credited with creating the group's popular "Vote with a Can" project. Lions Club members place collection boxes at local polling places during every major election and collect canned food that is then donated to Community Christian Concern for distribution to needy local residents.

Among those congratulating Gambrell on the achievement were his wife, Liz, club President Jerry Cochran, Northshore Harbor Center General Manager Kerry Painter and guest speaker state Sen. Tom Schedler.

Visibly moved by the recognition, Gambrell said, "I'm honored to be a member of the Lions Club. I'm proud of what I have done in the past and I'm proud of the club. There's not another organization that can equal the good the Lions Club does in this community," he said.

Schedler discussed the current political climate in Baton Rouge and said that at this point in Gov. Kathleen Blanco's term, he would give her a B-minus or a C-plus.

Schedler gave her especially high marks for her dedication to economic development, but said that tough times lie ahead for the state. "I'm almost glad I'm not in leadership any more because it's not going to be a pretty picture and I'm not quite sure how she's going to navigate through the minefield," he said.

Schedler warned about political extremists, noting that, "Government comes from the middle -- a good conservative democrat and a good moderate Republican. The order of this business is compromise." He added that when his term ends he will retire satisfied that he made an impact. "I've had good days and bad days, more good than bad. Twelve years was enough for me," he said. "I've been able to hold on to my principles, and I'm proud of that."

Schedler also recognized four of the Slidell Noon Lions Club members as honorary senators. They are Cochran, Art Bell, Herman Moore and Skinny King.

By Kerry Painter

As the Harbor Center readies for its future to begin, we pause to recognize its humble past.  December marked the end of Joe Anderson’s tenure on the East St. Tammany Events Center Commission Board.   Some nineteen years ago Anderson sat at a Slidell Chamber Board retreat where the idea of a necessary events/gathering space came alive.  The rest is history as they say, and nearly two decades later Joe is finished serving his Commissioner term and returning to family and friends in his spare time.   “My son is a student at Ole’ Miss and when I started this project he was not even born!”

But before he goes, here are a few parting thoughts and memories he shared with me. My first thought was, how did he see this building changing our community?  “I think this will be a significant source of community pride at the local level.  Of course there will be enhancement to our quality of life and economic benefit, but more than anything it will bring the community together.”  Anderson said he feels the project is “already a success in his book.   Just the mere fact that it could be kept alive and get to the stage where it is actually brick and mortar after 20 volunteer years makes it a huge success.”  

My favorite question to ask is “what is your ultimate event you’d like to see in the Center?”  I assume that if you plan a building then you probably have a picture of your family’s favorite event or a concert you would love to see right?  Not MR. Anderson, however, typical of him, his answer is one that completely illustrates the selfless personality we have all come to expect.  “I’ve never allowed myself the freedom to think about the actual events.  I’ve been just so prayerful and hopeful we’d get to the point that I never personally went as far as to think what I’d like to attend.  It’s just been a matter of moving along one step at a time every year.”  After some thought he did concede that he’d be thrilled to see one of his civic groups such as the Rotary or Lion’s club host a regional meeting here.  “That would definitely be gratifying to attend.”

*  Future columns will focus on the past (Mr. Anderson) the present activities for the Center and the future (our time capsule project).

The Times-Picayune
Sunday, November 14, 2004

100-year time capsule planned for event center

By Ann Barks
Contributing writer

Want to be a part of local history that won't be unveiled for 100 years?

If so, start thinking now about the story you'd like to tell about technology and other aspects of today's east St. Tammany Parish for possible inclusion in a time capsule that will be buried in a special spot of the Northshore Harbor Center.

New Events Manager Carmen Toft said she is embarking on the time capsule project with hopes that many community groups, schools, organizations and businesses will participate. Of special interest to her is putting in technological items that seem very advanced today but that will likely seem antiquated but interesting in 100 years. Things such as computer products, which she noted change so rapidly, and medical technology seem ideal to Toft.

The time capsule will be placed under a design element of the floor in the circular lounge that will be at the front edge of the facility. On the floor of the Compass Lounge will be a large nautical symbol known as a compass rose, with directional markers for north, east, south and west. The time capsule will be buried at the middle of the compass rose, Toft said.

She said any groups or businesses interested in donating an item or in getting more information can contact her by calling the Harbor Center office, 781-3650.

"It should be something that symbolizes 2004 and 2005 in our community," Toft said. "Things that will be interesting to our community in 100 years."

Commission member Gwendolyn Wade is developing the process for involving schoolchildren in the project. Toft said it could be that each grade votes on an item they may feel would be good to go in the time capsule, such as a Palm Pilot, or it could be that there are contests to design artwork that will be placed in the time capsule to show how the community looked in 2004.

There is currently no deadline for submission of articles or ideas, Toft said, but she will likely be wrapping the project up in the spring.

Toft, 25, was introduced to the East St. Tammany Events Center commission at its regular meeting this week. She moved from South Dakota to take the position with the Northshore Harbor Center only two weeks ago. She has served as a company manager and assistant director for stage plays, most recently for the Vee Corp., which produces the touring Sesame Street Live shows.

Toft said she had been looking for a position of the type she has landed with the events center, and that one major impetus was that she will no longer be constantly on the road as she was with the stage show. "And it doesn't snow here," she added with a laugh.

As events manager, Toft will care for the Harbor Center's customers once they are booked into the events center.

In charge of booking all those events is another new employee, who was also introduced at the meeting. Nicole Rodrigue, 32, of Slidell is serving as director of sales and marketing. Prior to coming aboard the events center staff, Rodrigue was sales manager at several New Orleans hotels, including the Chateau Sonesta Hotel, Hotel Monteleone and the W New Orleans and the W French Quarter hotels.

Rodrigue told the commission that her action plan will focus initially on research to understand the competition and the types of events she can recruit to the center. She is also developing alliances with local hotels and investigating marketing opportunities along the Gulf Coast and the New Orleans region. To find local clients, she will meet with krewes, dance clubs and other organizations that may be looking for a place to book an event.

General Manager Kerry Painter said that now that the Harbor Center is well under construction, some events are seeking them out. Just in the last week, Painter said, she has received calls from the Senior Olympics, a three-day tax conference and a college recruiting fair, all of which have wanted to hold bigger events on the east side of the parish but had not found a facility large enough.

Harbor center to seat fund-raising board
Davis will chair ‘Friends’ group

By Ann Barks
Contributing writer

The Northshore Harbor Center commission is close to naming its separate, nonprofit board of community leaders to raise money for the center.

The Friends of the Harbor Center board will be made up of local residents representing a broad spectrum of business, civic and cultural interests. Parish President Kevin Davis has agreed to serve as the first chairman of the group.

Incorporating and gaining designation of the Friends as a 501(c)3 organization is complicated, Development Committee Chairman Leif Pedersen said. But one immediate step is to get the independent board to meet and select its three officers, he said.

The Friends’ mission will primarily be to serve as a fund-raising arm of the Harbor Center, Pedersen said. In addition, the group will help design programs and help communicate with various constituencies, he said. The organization will have full authority to vote on how the funds it raises will be spent.

Members of the center’s commission have nominated dozens of potential board members for the Friends group. “Most are already involved as volunteers in the community, which is just what we’re looking for,” Pedersen said.

Among those who have accepted nominations, Pedersen reported at a recent Development Committee meeting, are local arts activist Boni Johnson, St. Tammany Tourist and Convention Commission executive director Hyatt Hood, School Board Deputy Superintendent Trey Folse, Ray’s Bullpen co-owner Kathy Mortorna, musical arts activist Nancy Westfall and civic leader Gardner Kole.

The committee will finish making its recruitment calls this week in order to reach its goal of 14 members on the board. Official letters of invitation will go out next week, in time to arrange a meeting of the board before Thanksgiving. The first order of business is likely to be the election of officers, so that the incorporation process can continue, Pedersen said.

Committee members brainstormed last week to fill three areas they felt were not yet represented on the board as either tentative or likely members: automobile dealers, large business owners or representatives, and hotel-motels.

Harbor Center delay not all bad
Kitchen added in rebidding process

By Ann Barks
Contributing writer

The Northshore Harbor Center commission will have to seek new bids on Phase 1.2 of the center after all.

Even though it will mean a longer construction period for the section of the building that will be affected by the new work, it isn't all bad news: The center now will be able to add the final key component to the building that had to be sacrificed when costs overran original funding.

Although the re-bidding of the section of the building that houses a circular lobby lounge, a recital room with almost 300 seats and three meeting rooms will delay construction of that side of the building for two to three months, General Manager Kerry Painter said that the ability to add a kitchen in the new bid was "a blessing in disguise."

The construction of Phase 1.2 will not affect the grand opening of the remainder of the events center, Painter said.

State bid regulations do not allow the board to extend the original Phase 1.1 bid to use the same contractor for what is also known as "Alternate One" only because the standard contractor's profit percentage would have been a disallowed increase over that original bid. The profit percentage would have increased based on the substantial increase for the cost of material, Painter said, from when the original bid was accepted.

State regulations allow the board to grant the bid only if "it's exactly as it was under the original bid 18 months ago," Painter said.

Taking advantage of the need to re-bid, the center board put the kitchen option back into play. The kitchen, the recital area and the three meeting rooms were in the original building designs. However, the cost of the building exceeded the budget. Voters in the 8th and 9th wards of the parish in 1999 approved a property tax of up to 5 mills to finance construction of the multipurpose center on a 25-acre site off Oak Harbor Boulevard.

A $7.36 million contract to Gibbs Construction Co. of Harahan last year included construction of a trade show area, offices, front entrance, restrooms and lounge. The "Alternate One" work will cost an estimated $2.3 million without the kitchen, Painter said. The original bid for that scope of work was $1.8 million. However, Painter said that in the meantime, steel increased 40 percent, the cost of insulation has increased while its availability has decreased due to a fire in a major manufacturing plant, and lumber costs have increased as well. The kitchen will add another estimated $500,000 to $600,000, bringing the total estimated cost of the new construction to $2.8 to 2.9 million.

The new construction work will be financed by a voter-approved $5 million bond issue to be paid off with money from the existing millage.

Harbor Center hires sales, events managers, director of operations

By Matthew Penix

SLIDELL -- Northshore Harbor Center officials hired the facility's second-in-command employee -- a sales manager -- this week, said General Manager Kerry Painter.

In addition, two other positions -- a director of operations and an events manager -- were also filled.

Painter said filling staff positions was the logical next step in preparation for the multi-use events center's expected April 2005 opening.

On Tuesday, Slidell resident Nicole Jameson Rodrique accepted the sales management position. As such, she will be responsible for promoting and securing events for the $7.6 million, 40,000-square-foot facility.

Rodrique, whose job Painter said is the most "pivotal," previously served as a sales manager at the Chateau Sonesta Hotel, Hotel Montleone, W. New Orleans Hotel and W. French Quarter Hotel in New Orleans. During her tenure at these hotels, she consistently exceeded monthly projections by an average of 6 to 15 percent, Painter said.

Arthur Emile Baudoin, a Salmen High School graduate, will be responsible for the day-to-day operations of the facility's heating, cooling, plumbing and overall building systems.

Baudoin now serves as the building superintendent/engineering supervisor for the Pontchartrain Center in Kenner, a small arena that hosts boxing matches, sports events, concerts, conventions, trade shows and more.

Carmen Christine Toft, the new events manager for the Northshore Harbor Center, said she will draw on her experience as a company manager and assistant director for stage plays to meet customers' needs.

A resident of South Dakota, Toft holds a bachelor's degree in communication studies and theatre from South Dakota State University. As a theatre major, she made many professional contacts that eventually led to management jobs with six different touring play companies from 1998 to 2004.

"At an event, I wanted to meet the manager at the door, and I wanted my phone to be working," she said. "I know what the people want and I plan to deliver that to those who come to the Northshore Habor Center."

Each hire endured an intense, one-day interview -- from 8 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. -- with five of the facility's board members.

"We are officially open for business," said Painter. "We picked these three very carefully. Our intention is to set a customer service standard above anything seen here."

St. Tammany bureau

Oct. 31 is the deadline for nonprofit organizations to participate in an innovative new marketing plan being offered by the Northshore Harbor Center.

The Northshore Harbor Center has purchased a 14-by-48-foot billboard on Interstate 10, and is inviting local nonprofits to lease space at a discounted rate to promote their events and activities on a monthly basis.

"The billboard is located on I-10 westbound near the Old Spanish Trail exit -- a perfect location as nearly 60,000 cars travel past this signage each day," according to Kerry Painter, general manager of the center. \

The center would like to partner with two St. Tammany community groups each month to promote their upcoming events, with each receiving one-third of the billboard space for an entire month.

The cost, including the space, design, materials and labor, is $750 per month. Billboard space in that market can run as much as $3,000 per month making this offer of significant value, Painter said.

Oct. 31 is the deadline to participate in this program from November 2004 through December 2005. Applications must include the organization's name and the event name, date, location, time and contact information. Applications will be accepted on a first-come basis. Priority will be given to nonprofit organizations in the greater Slidell area, and events must be open to the public.

"This is a wonderful opportunity that we hope groups will take advantage of," Painter said.

For details or an application, call 781-3650.

Copyright 2004 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

Harbor center board OKs new nonprofit
Entity will function as fund-raising arm

By Ann Barks
Contributing writer

The Northshore Harbor Center commission recently voted unanimously to incorporate a separate nonprofit board to raise money for the facility.

Under the leadership of Development Committee Co-chairman Leif Pedersen, the commission will recruit members of the community to serve on the Friends of the Harbor Center board.

Once three officers are in place, Pedersen said, the group can be incorporated and obtain a Section 501c3 nonprofit designation from the Internal Revenue Service.

The organization will act primarily as the fund-raising arm of the center. Already on the group's board is Parish President Kevin Davis, who has agreed to serve as its first chairman.

Pedersen and Development Committee Co-chairwoman Kelli Gustafson will invite Slidell area residents nominated by commissioners to serve on the board. Pedersen, Gustafson and Painter will be nonvoting members and liaisons to the commission.

In other business, the commission moved to address the lack of kitchen facilities at the events center. Kitchen construction had been eliminated to bring the total cost of the facility within budget, Commissioner Deb Morel said. However, users will still need food services.

To meet that need, the commission will seek proposals for a cooperative venture with a local caterer or restaurant. Under the plan, the commission will build a 20-by-32-foot slab next to the center and provide utilities to the slab area. The caterer will build on that slab a 16-by-24-foot food-service facility.

Morel said it's a temporary solution expected to stay in place for up to three years. During that time the commission hopes to obtain enough money to build a permanent kitchen.

Center general manager Kerry Painter said the caterer would have a seven- to 10-year contract to provide or oversee food and beverage service. That means the company's business would grow along with the events center's needs, she said, even after a permanent kitchen is built.

A recent study has shown that food and beverage services can generate significant income for the events center, Painter said.

Painter said the commission has a list of about 10 business that will receive requests for proposals. The deadline for submitting them to the commission is Sept. 30. A request for proposals also will be sent to any interested caterer or restaurant, Painter said. She encouraged them to call her office at 781-3650 to get a copy.

The commission's next meeting is Oct. 13 at 7:30 a.m. at the St. Tammany Tourist and Convention Commission office in the former Slidell Factory Outlets mall off Old Spanish Trail and Interstate 10.

Copyright 2004 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

Center panel votes to retain 5-mill rate
Amount is needed to pay bond debt

By Ann Barks
Contributing writer

The East St. Tammany Events Center Commission voted unanimously Wednesday to retain the 5-mill property tax rate homeowners and businesses in the 8th and 9th wards needed to repay the bonds sold to build the center south of Slidell.

The commission cannot afford to roll back its millage level because doing so would leave insufficient revenue to service the debt on its $10 million and $5 million bond issues for Northshore Harbor Center.

The multipurpose center is under construction off North Oak Harbor Boulevard near Interstate 10.

Parish Assessor Patrician Schwarz Core had asked all taxing agencies in St. Tammany to roll back their current millages in this reassessment year to keep from reaping a revenue-windfall at taxpayers' expense because of rising property values.

However, the events center agency's bond counsel recently notified Core that the commission was "legally obligated" to set a millage level adequate to meet annual bond payments.

As a result, Core has removed the commission from the list of taxing agencies she believes should lower their current tax levels, Chair Deb Morel said.

Commissioner Joe Anderson noted the commission's situation is different because the 5 mills are dedicated exclusively for bond debt, while many other government agencies use property taxes to finance all or part of their operations and maintenance.

In other events center business, space and functions committee chair Graydon Hass said additional paperwork requested by the state's Office of Facility Planning and Control is holding up an important construction phase.

Hard Rock Construction of Metairie was selected last month as the contractor for a $1.68 million construction phase that will bring roadways, curbs and parking to the facility. This work will satisfy the state by making the center what the state considers a "viable building," center General Manager Kerry Painter said.

The designation is needed before Facility Planning and Control will release $750,000 in capital outlay money earmarked by the Legislature to help build the center.

Hass and Painter said they anticipate state approval to begin the site work will come soon. Once it does, the work will proceed immediately and should take about four months to finish, Haas said.

Copyright 2004 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

A chance to put your name in lights

Kerry Painter, general manager of the North Shore Harbor Center is excited about sponsorships for the premier events center that should open here in the spring.

The center's board began to offer sponsorships a few months ago with options for everything from purchasing a tree or chair to naming a recital hall or sculpture.

"They make lovely thank-you gifts," Painter said, noting that the 2003-04 Leadership Slidell class has bought one bench to name for Irma Cry and Joan Archer. And if that's not your cup of tea, "Who wouldn't want a palm tree up there with their name on it," she said.

The Lions Club has bought four benches, and the Rotary Club of Slidell Northshore has pledged to sponsor the flagpoles at the center. It will be the club's centennial project, a $30,000 commitment, she said.

"We've really just started promoting it," Painter said of the sponsorship push. Most of that work will be directed by a newly formed Development Committee, which will have its first meeting this month. The committee will be made up of four board members who will, in turn, create a citizens advisory committee.

Then there is the Friends of the North Shore Harbor Center, which the board will vote on at its Wednesday meeting. The Friends will be a 501(c)3 nonprofit organization to raise money to be used for special events and projects not allowed by government financing. That could include seed money to bid on a sporting event, such as a Junior Olympics or regional volleyball or wrestling tournament, or to present a summer film or concert series, she said.

Other sponsorship possibilities include advertising flags in the parking lot that will have the center logo and either events or entities named underneath. There are theater furnishings, meeting rooms, the floor for basketball games and a concert stage.

A commemorative tree is available in the arbor area and there are personalized theater seats. Cash, of course, is also needed for matching gifts or purchase of needed items.

Then there is the naming of the building. The naming rights, which would go for more than $1 million, signal the importance of the facility, Painter said.

"We're hoping it will be the 'Something' North Shore Harbor Center" she said. Now is the ideal time to do it, before the opening, she said.

"For us, we recognize it's a great building and has all levels of possibility," but if you are in Houston and might not know about the north shore or even Slidell, the name of the entity attached signifies "someone has deemed it important, important enough to put over a million dollars into it," she said.

With their approval, voters in the events center district have determined the importance of building the facility, and Painter said "construction is rolling along great."

Now, she's looking for the naming and sponsorships to help put the center on the map.

Copyright 2004 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

Northshore books first big events
Episcopal convention expected to attract over 500 to area

By Matthew Penix

SLIDELL -- More than 20 years ago, some doubters thought a multi-million dollar events center in Slidell would never succeed.

On Thursday, North-shore Harbor Center officials quashed some skeptics by booking its first two events, a move that is expected to bring thousands of dollars to Slidell's economy.

The Northshore Harbor Center, a planned 150,000-square-feet events center, will play host to more than 900 people between two events planned to be held the next two years -- a feat officials have strived to obtain for decades, said Kerry Painter, the center's general manager.

One event, the Episcopal Diocese of Louisiana Convention, is expected to bring 500 people from southeast Louisiana to Slidell in March 2006.

Officials expect the convention's attendees to spend around $37,000 on hotel fees, and an additional $19,000 gas and food, said Painter.

In December 2005, Northshore Regional Medical Center will hold a 400-person Christmas event. Although that event's attendees will mostly be local residents, it is proof that the NSHC is moving forward, said Painter.

"Our people that live here can go to an event without having to travel," she said. "This is the first time in Slidell that an event of this magnitude can be housed in an independent, specialized facility."

Although Painter has fielded inquiries from boat, RV, gun and home show promoters, Thursday's bookings mark the first time NSHC has inked a deal.

"This means people believe in this project and the market here," she said. "This is the start of the Northshore Harbor Center's economic impact to Slidell."

But it's been a long time coming.

About 20 years ago, the idea to build a multi-purpose events center in Slidell was born out of conversations with a few "civic-minded" people. The notion of one center that could cater to event promoters worldwide appealed to Slidell Chamber of Commerce members and affiliates. Soon, the East St. Tammany Events Center Commission was born to spearhead what would later be called the Northshore Harbor Center.

In 1998, a feasibility study suggested $10 million would pay for the 150,000-square-foot facility. But after wetland mitigation, inflation, and equipment, engineering and dirt foundation costs increased, that number would no longer construct the facility.

The all-volunteer committee of the NSHC seemed to struggle ever since.

But now, with recent approval to sell $5 million in bonds to reduce the $7.6 million needed to complete construction, officials are expected to open a 40,000-square-feet part of the facility by spring 2005. Two more parts are soon expected to follow that would complete the master plan.

Supporters are thrilled.

"We've improved tremendously," said Deb Morel, a member of the East ST. Tammany Events Center Commission. "With this, we can make the center a truly regional, marketable events center. It has turned the corner."

Joe Anderson, former chairman of the East St. Tammany Events Center Commission and committee member since the idea was born 20 years ago, agrees with Morel.

"These bookings represent another true milestone in the 20-year history of the events center," he said. "It remains my strong belief that significant economic impact and quality of life enhancement will result in the final construction of the Northshore Harbor Center. I thank God for the opportunity to have contributed to keeping the dream of the Events Center alive."

Events center sells $5 million bond to Tenn. firm

By Matthew Penix

SLIDELL -- Before a champagne toast Wednesday evening, Northshore Harbor Center officials approved the sale of $5 million in bonds to help finance the multi-purpose events center.
Morgan Keegan, a subsidiary of Regions Financial Corp., submitted the low bid of 4.253 percent to purchase the bonds.

The money will be used to reduce the $7.6 million still needed to complete construction of the multipurpose events center.

The facility is currently under construction. It is located south of Slidell, near Interstate 10.

Of the submitted bids -- Ross Sinclaire and Associates bid 4.27 percent, RBC Dain Rauscher bid 4.34 percent and Coastal Securities Corp. bid 4.256 -- Keegan's was a fraction less than the competition.

Voters approved a $10 million, 5-mil bond in 1999 to fund construction of the events center. The general obligations bonds are to be paid over a 20-year period.

Because home values of St. Tammany Parish has increased and more taxpayers have recently moved to the parish, the bond netted $5 million more than officials had anticipated.

The law requires voters to approve the extra money that Harbor Center officials would receive and, on the April 17 ballot, the measure passed.

Northshore Harbor Center officials said the extra money is a huge asset because inflation, wetland mitigation, unforeseen cost and numerous delays increased the center's price tag to $17.5 million.

The facility was originally expected to cost $10 million to build the entire three-part, 150-square-foot facility [sic]. Events center officials later learned of the $7.5 million shortage.

But that was before 6:44 p.m. Wednesday night.

Amid smiles and cheers, officials approved authorizing the bond sale Wednesday night.

Nearly 20 years in the making, the events center project is closer than ever to becoming a reality, board members said.

"We've improved tremendously," said Deb Morel, chairman of the East St. Tammany Events Center Commission, the agency responsible for the Harbor Center. "With this, we can make the center a truly regional, marketable events center. It has turned the corner."

With the extra money, officials plan to purchase furnishings, sliding partitions, a full kitchen, seating for symphonies, storage rooms, dividing walls, furniture, and create more parking, said Kerry Painter, the Harbor Center's general manager.

"It's really important to help us finish the building," she said. "It's the taxpayer's building and it's our job to bring it to them."

Morel agrees.

"In passing this April's bond, it's important for us to appreciate the depth of what just happened and to pass it along to the community. It really is inspiring that they came out here at such a critical part of the election," he said.

Homes and businesses in 8th and 9th wards should easily bring in enough money to pay off the new issue as well as the $8.6 million remaining on the first one, said bond counsel Jerry Osborne.

The Times-Picayune
Thursday, July 15, 2004

Events center bond gets OK
Previous financing failed to cover costs

By Paul Bartels, St. Tammany bureau

The Northshore Harbor Center board Wednesday approved the sale of $5 million in bonds to Morgan Keegan and Co. of Memphis, Tenn., to help finance completion of the multipurpose center south of Slidell.

The money will be used to close the bulk of an estimated $7.5 million budget gap in construction, furnishings and equipment costs for the center under construction near Lakeshore Estates off Oak Harbor Boulevard and Interstate 10.

At a 4.25 percent interest rate, Morgan Keegan, a subsidiary of Regions Financial Corp., offered the lowest rate of four bids submitted by financial services firms. Bond counsel Jerry Osborne called it "an extremely good interest rate."

Coastal Securities Corp. bid 4.26 percent; Ross Sinclaire and Associates, 4.27; and RBC Dain Rauscher Inc., 4.34.

The 20-year general obligation bonds will be delivered to Morgan Keegan on Aug. 26, with the first of the twice-yearly installment payments due March 1.

Slidell area voters approved a 20-year, $10 million bond issue for the events center in January 1999. The board sold those bonds the following April to the lowest of five bidders, J.C. Bradford and Co. of Nashville, Tenn., at an average interest rate of 4.51 percent.

But the project's cost escalated to $17.5 million as a result of numerous delays, escalating costs for building materials and labor, general inflation and previously unanticipated expenses for fill material at the low-lying site.

Voters approved the second bond issue in April this year.

The extra $5 million is needed for furnishings, sliding partitions, full kitchen and storage sections to support the initial 22,000 square feet of primary-use space for small conventions, banquets, graduation ceremonies, balls, performances and other activities.

The board also is working feverishly on ways to close the remaining price gap, although a facility without all the extras still could open in May. The remaining $2.5 million is needed primarily for additional parking and other exterior work.

Osborne said Wednesday that the 5-mill property tax on homes and businesses in the 8th and 9th wards should easily bring in enough money to pay off the new issue and the $8.6 million balance on the first one.

The 25-acre site upon which the building is going up was donated to the events center district by Tammany Holding Corp. President Bob Torres, the developer of the nearby Lakeshore Estates/Lakeshore Village community.

Copyright 2004 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

The Times-Picayune
Sunday, July 11, 2004

How about a seat named just for you?
Center officials consider all options

By Kelly King, St. Tammany bureau

Keeping an eye on the future and the bottom line, the Northshore Harbor Center intends to leave no stone unturned, or in this case, no chair left unnamed.

Center officials are considering various sponsorship measures that could raise money for the facility. For instance, citizens could give donations and have their names affixed to the theater seats. Or a corporation could donate a certain amount and have its name affiliated with the center's exhibit hall or lounge.

To that end, center officials are creating a new committee to handle philanthropic support.

Until recently, this support was handled through the marketing committee. But General Manager Kerry Painter announced at a recent commission meeting that philanthropic support would be handed over to a new, separate, development committee.

As that committee is forming, Leif Pedersen, marketing committee chairman, gave the commission a first draft of possible sponsorship opportunities the center could use. "This is a template and is fund-raising for the future," Pedersen said. And while exact figures are still being worked out, the list of support opportunities is extensive.

Naming sponsorships are split into levels. At the top of the list is the legacy level, which includes naming rights for the exhibit hall and recital hall. Both are anticipated to be in the six-figure range.

Benefactor level will encompass areas like the theater naming sponsorship; Compass Lounge, a smaller reception and conference break area, with separate furnishing sponsors available in this area; all three meeting rooms; the center's three-flag display area; and a sculpture benefactor for the sail sculpture in the center's lobby.

Event patrons will be sought for future anticipated athletic events and concerts. Sponsorships will also be available for such items as the concert stage, symphonic orchestra shell, boxing ring and basketball floor.

Finally, there will be a Friends of the Center category that will give smaller sponsorship opportunities including arbor sponsorships that will give naming rights to trees or a bench in the landscaping and garden areas and personalized theater seats.

Pedersen suggested commission members each buy a seat on the front row of the theater as a legacy of the members who were there when the building was built. Individual members would pay for the seats themselves, he said, as a show of support and lasting legacy of the commission.

Of the sponsorships list, he said it needed to be comprehensive and priced to what the market will bear. "This is everything we think is fundable at this time. Each person should take a look at it and make sure we can live with it," Pedersen said.

The Harbor Center commission will meet Wednesday at 6 p.m. at the St. Tammany Parish Tourist Commission offices, 1000 Caruso Blvd., Suite 197, in Slidell. Committee members will look at the proposal and evaluate any regulations for government entities using naming sponsorships before they begin discussing prices and levels of sponsorships.

Copyright 2004 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

Construction OK to save center 60 days
Gibbs Construction awarded Phase 1.2

By Kelly King, St. Tammany bureau

The Northshore Harbor Center will save 60 days of construction time on the center by awarding Phase 1.2 to Gibbs Construction, the company that is already working on Phase 1.1 of the project, officials said.

After seeking a legal opinion from the state attorney general's office on bidding laws, the Northshore Harbor Center commission learned they would not have to seek new bids for Phase 1.2 and could use the company already working on the building.

"We do not have to bid alternate 1 (also called Phase 1.2 of the project by the building architects) because the bidders knew all the pieces and it does not change the nature of the bid," said Kerry Painter, Northshore Harbor Center general manager. According to the original bids, Gibbs Construction was the low bidder on each of the alternates as well as Phase 1.1, she said.

"We got the OK to give alternate 1 to Gibbs from the attorney general," Painter said.

Phase 1.2 includes the recital hall, meeting rooms and kitchen area. The kitchen area is still being looked at by the commission and may house catering-type equipment. This phase was added to the first phase after voters approved a recent millage proposal. Because the commission does not have to bid Phase 1.2, it will not delay the overall completion date of the building, which is set tentatively for May.

In other business, the commission unanimously decided not to incur the extra expense of having an attorney at its meetings. After a brief discussion, during which Painter told members the cost to have an attorney at every meeting would be between $10,000 and $12,000 annually, the commission decided against the idea originally proposed by member Warren Berault.

"Further down the line, after we open, we may need it, but not now when we are scrounging for money," said commission member John Smith. Commission member Graydon Hass agreed. "If it ain't broke, don't fix it. We are doing OK so far," Hass said.

While not at all meetings, the commission currently uses Lane Carson from the St. Tammany Parish district attorney's office for most legal matters and does have other attorneys available if needed, Painter said.

Even Berault said having an attorney at the meetings wasn't necessary right now.

"We have what it costs (to have an attorney at the meetings) and that's valuable, but I agree there is no need for this right now," Berault said.

A new member, Kelli Gustafson, also joined the commission's ranks. Gustafson is the director of the Department Cultural and Public Affairs for the city of Slidell and was appointed to the commission by the Greater Slidell Area Chamber of Commerce.

The next meeting for the commission will be July 14 at 6 p.m.; the issue of selling bonds will be on the agenda.

Copyright 2004 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

The Times-Picayune
Sunday, May 16, 2004

Panel plans bond sale on July 14

By Carol Wolfram, St. Tammany bureau

The Northshore Harbor Center Commission will accept bids July 14 at 6 p.m. to purchase $5 million in general obligation bonds.

The money generated by the bond sale, which was approved by voters April 17, will be available in late August, according to bond counsel Jerry Osborne.

No new taxes will be needed to pay off the bond issue. Because of rising property values and continued commercial and residential growth in the Slidell area, the center's current 5-mill tax will yield enough revenue to cover both the existing $10 million bond issues and the new issue, officials said.

"Traditionally, valuation has increased even if there has been no increase in building or development, and here you have both," Osborne said.

Commission Chairman Derise "Deb" Morel thanked voters of the 8th and 9th wards for their support of the project. "In the end, we sit here as guardians of this project, but the project belongs to the community, and the community voiced its opinion on this project loud and clear," Morel said.

In other business, the commission welcomed its newest member, Ronnie Kole, an internationally acclaimed jazz pianist and local civic leader. He was appointed by state Rep. Pete Schneider and is serving a four-year term, replacing David Champagne.

"This is something that has been close to my heart for close to 20 years. I'm impressed with what you have done so far and, hopefully, I can add a little bit to it -- sing a song, play the piano," Kole said.

Commissioner Leif Pedersen, chairman of the Marketing Committee, discussed the group's plans to provide name-gift opportunities -- the naming of building elements for a designated fee -- at the Northshore Harbor Center, which is under construction south of Slidell.

"We want to be creative and turn over every rock that is appropriate to make phase one 100 percent complete," Morel said. The 50,000-square-foot first phase will include a 22,000-square-foot general assembly area, breakout rooms, a recital hall and kitchen facility.

The center is slated to open in the spring.

Copyright 2004 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

$5 million more for Harbor Center to make huge positive impact

By Aileen Ruli

SLIDELL - "Yay! yay! yay!"
That was the reaction of an excited Kerry Painter, general manager of the Northshore Harbor Center, after voters elected to continue the 5-mill property tax supporting the center's construction. The vote was 2,860 or 62.6 percent in favor of renewing the millage and 1,711, or 37.4 percent against the proposition.

The millage is based on a $10 million bond voters approved in 1999, but since then it has been determined that the bond will generate $15 million instead of the expected $10 million. Voters were needed to approve the extra $5 million.

The passage of the millage renewal means the Harbor Center will be much more marketable, said Painter. The portion of the center which is currently under construction includes 22,000 square feet consisting of a lobby, meeting rooms, restrooms and offices. The additional $5 million will result in additions to those plans including a recital hall, catering and storage area, another lounge and lobby and more meeting rooms. The money will also provide for furniture and equipment.

"You can see how much more usable the building will be with those amenities," said Painter. "This will make it more sellable, more enticing to renters."

Once completed, the Harbor Center is expected to generate $2.7 million to $3.6 million annually in visitor expenditures. Members of the East St. Tammany Events Center Commission expect the center to be used for conventions, trade shows, boat shows, home and garden shows, banquets, performing arts and sporting events among other things.

"We're taking this [millage renewal] as a confirmation that we're doing the right thing for the citizens," said Painter. "This is a validation for us that we're going in the right direction."

Harbor Center seeks community support

By Matthew Penix

SLIDELL -- As rumbling trucks poured concrete for a multi-purpose events center in Slidell, its officials were inside board rooms establishing a grassroots campaign for support.

The Northshore Harbor Center, a three-part multi-purpose events center in Slidell, is expected to open doors to a 35,000-square-foot facility next March. It's the first time officials will see their 20-year-old dream become a reality.

But, officials said they need to do more.

Despite starting to construct the first part of a projected three-part 150,000-square-foot facility, officials said they need strong community support.

Kerry Painter, general manager for the Northshore Harbor Center, and the center's board have recruited 18 community "leaders" to press the four by 40 formula.

The four by 40 formula encourages people to recruit four people for support and contact 40 people to help to spread the word.

Although Painter did not release names, she said real estate executives, ministers, former city council members and a representative for state Sen. Walter Boasso (R-Arabi), attended the meeting and are interested in garnering support.

"A lot of people don't know what this [Northshore Harbor Center] can do for them," said Painter. "It's a chance for the community to recognize us."

The Northshore Harbor Center is expected to bring economic development to Slidell with gun and boat shows, concerts, business conventions, Mardi Gras balls, dances, car shows and more.

To do this Painter and officials will also ask voters to renew a 20-year, 5 millage bond on April 17. Passed in 1998, the bond was expected to supply $10 million to fund the 150,000 three-part facility in its entirety.

But as the price of St. Tammany Parish homes increase and more taxpayers move to the parish, the 5 mills is expected to net $15 million instead, said Painter.

Under law, officials must rework how the existing millage tax reads and tell voters if they renew it, officials will receive $15 million instead of $10 million. Voters will pay no new taxes.

"It is imperative we win in order to open the building or make it fully marketable," said Painter.

The four by 40 formula will encourage people to vote in favor of the millage renewal as well as contact local politicians and community leaders for support.

Construction of the 22,000-square-foot trade facility is expected to start next week.

Painter named to tourism post

By Chad Hebert

SLIDELL -- As if Kerry Painter's life was not busy enough.

She already is the centerpiece figure of the Northshore Harbor Center project, serving as its general manager. At home, she is a single mom caring for a 10-week-old baby.

But now it does not end there. Painter was recently appointed by the Parish Council to serve on the St. Tammany Tourist and Convention Commission, a position she feels she was destined for.

"It's the one thing I felt I was most qualified for," she said. "I'm proud to be serving on the commission."

Despite just being selected to serve on the commission, Painter is certainly no stranger to tourism in the parish. She explained she was already attending the commission meetings. Now, she says, she can participate in those meetings from the other side.

Painter has been working in the tourism industry in all she has ever done, calling the industry "the one thing I know."

"I think the Tourist Commission does a great job," she said.

She is extremely happy to have the ability to promote tourism in the parish.

Meanwhile, Painter will continue to serve as general manager of the Harbor Center. The first phase of the center, which will span 35,228 square-feet when completed, is currently being constructed. The center is located south of Slidell near Oak Harbor.

The Parish Council recently authorized an April 17 election regarding a 5-mill tax that is being used to pay for the center. Since the tax is expected to generate more money than originally proposed, voters in Wards 8 and 9 must approve the change.

Aside from the Tourist Commission and Harbor Center, Painter also has to make time for family. She recently adopted a 10-week-old boy and is raising it as a single mom.

"It's taken a big balancing act," said Painter. "It's tough, but we're doing it."

Painter just recently returned to working at the Harbor Center full-time. She spent two months working part-time while on maternity leave to spend time with her new son.

One thing Painter said she has learned is when people say that kids change your life, it's true.

Now that she is on the Tourist Commission, she has one more baby to tackle.

Northshore Harbor Center has new leader

By Kelly King
St. Tammany bureau

Derise "Deb" Morel has been elected chairman of the Northshore Harbor Center Commission. He succeeds Joseph Anderson Jr., who has held the position since 1991.

Morel, who is state Rep. A.G. Crowe's appointee to the commission and previously chairman of the group's marketing committee, praised Anderson's efforts and reminded him that his continued commitment to the project is integral to its success.

"Joe will always be a part of this project," Morel said.

Though resigning as chairman, Anderson will remain on the commission until his appointment by the Parish Council expires Dec. 31.

Anderson has been involved in the events center project since 1986 and is the only commissioner currently serving on the board who has been with the project since its inception.

"This is myhome town and this is a very important project to me," he said. "I will continue to serve and assist in the transition until Dec. 31. I plan to be a part of keeping the dream alive."

Also elected Monday night were officers Pablo Melendez, vice chairman, and Graydon Hass, secretary/treasurer. Leif Pedersen was appointed chairman of the marketing committee.

John Smith was welcomed to the commission, appointed to a four-year term by the Greater Slidell Area Chamber of Commerce.

The panel's primary focus during the next month will be educating the public on a a new 20-year, $5 million bond issue that will be on the April 17 ballot.

Voters in St. Tammany Parish's 8th and 9th wards approved a property tax in January 1999 to back a 20-year bond issue to build the $10 million events center near Slidell. The bonds were sold later that year.

According to Northshore Harbor Center General Manager Kerry Painter, the new 20-year issue will enable the commission to pay off its current bond debt and generate additional revenue by extending millage collections five more years and taking advantage of increasing property values.

The project faces an estimated $6.8 million shortfall in financing to complete and outfit the first phase of the center. The increase in the cost of the facility results from factors ranging from site preparation to inflation.

A community committee has been established to educate voters in the 8th and 9th Wards on the financing measure. Co-chairing that committee are former Commissioners Paula Falgout and Grace Marshall.

Copyright 2004 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

MANDEVILLE - The Northshore Harbor Center was the focus of two important events at the St. Tammany Parish Council's meeting last night.Because a millage approved for the center will now result in more revenue, voters in parish Wards 8 and 9 must approve the change in an April 17 election.

A 20-year, 5-mill tax was implemented in 1998 and was expected to generate $10 million toward construction of the center. However, growth in Wards 8 and 9 will result in $15 million being raised.The increased revenue will not raise taxes.

Kerry Painter, who currently heads the Harbor Center, was appointed to the St. Tammany Parish Touristand Convention Commission. The appointment is for three years. Cayman Sinclair was also appointed to the Tourist Commission.

Les Baham was appointed to the Board of Commissioners for Fire Protection District No. 1. Baham takes  the place of Felton Walter, whose term has expired.

He will assist in the selection of the district's new fire chief, expected to happen this summer.

Council members also decided Thursday to certify census counts for all fire districts in the parish.

The census counts are necessary for the state's "Two Percent Fire Insurance Fund," a state program that aids local governments in fire protection. Funding is determined on a per capita basis.

The council voted to re-introduce an ordinance that would add additional zoning standards to property that has the potential to affect natural and scenic rivers in the parish.

The ordinance must now go back to the Parish Council Committees before it can be adopted.

An ordinance was adopted by the council establishing the Slidell Hazard Overlay District and placing it on zoning base maps.

Ray Alfred lost his appeal for the re-zoning of a two-acre piece of property on Allen Road. He was requesting the property be changed from suburban zoning to highway commercial.

Harbor Center Considers Sponsorship

By Matthew Penix

SLIDELL -- Officials for a multi-purpose events center in Slidell must seek sponsorship from top political leaders if they want to finish construction of a 20-year-old project, a veteran lobbyist told its officials Wednesday.

"You need sponsorship in government," said longtime lobbyist Charlie Smith. "Not somebody that will accept your position, but someone to put their name behind it."

Northshore Harbor Center (NSHC) officials brainstormed with Smith late Wednesday on ways to bring to fruition the three-part center planned for conventions, balls and recreational shows.

Currently, the center has invested $7.3 million of the public's money into construction for its first part, a 35,228-square-foot facility. But officials face around a $6.8 million shortfall to finance and complete it.

Officials want and need their funding issues to fall on "important ears" in government, they said.

"Right now your argument is you have $7.3 million of the public's money invested into this project. You need public officials backing to bring this to the utmost best economic possibility," said Smith.

Smith suggested that officials ultimately get backing from Gov. Kathleen Blanco.

Despite St. Tammany Parish residents supporting Blanco's opposition in the Nov. 15 runoff election, NSHC officials said she won't ignore St. Tammany Parish because of its growth and successful school system.

"The most important topic in the state today is economic development," said Smith. "This is the most important thing you got."

NSHC officials cited a 1998 feasibility study from an independent Chicago firm that suggested an events center in Slidell could showcase 40 to 50 events per year and generate up to $3.6 million in direct expenditures per year. The study also estimated 90 to 130 new jobs as its total annual regional employment. Around $240,000 to $290,000 in annual sales tax revenue could be captured by local and state government, according to the study.

With backing such as this, NSHC officials are hopeful they could start a grass-roots campaign with involvement from state Sen. Tom Schedler (R Sli.), state Rep. Pete Schneider (R-Sli.), state Sen. Walter Boasso (R Arabi) and more.

"The whole parish tends to benefit from this," said Kerry Painter, general manger for the Northshore Harbor Center. She added that the economic impact would be hard to ignore.

While some financing issues are currently in the air, officials hope to tighten them and present a stellar case for funds during legislative sessions in late March.

"You go there with ammunition," said Smith. "You want to be a squeaky wheel."

If officials present a solid case, more money and backing could be available, they said.

$5 million found for group -
Harbor Center proposal would be 'no new taxes' for voters

By Matthew Penix

SLIDELL -- Officials for a multi-purpose events center in Slidell announced Wednesday a $10 million bond passed in 1998 would likely net $15 million by 2018 and they must clear the difference with voters.
Originally, the 20-year, 5 mill bond was expected to bring in $10 million for officials to build the Northshore Harbor Center.

But as the price of St. Tammany Parish homes increase and more taxpayers move to the parish, the 5 mill is expected to net $15 million, said Kerry Painter, general manager for the Northshore Harbor Center.

Under law, officials must rework how the existing millage tax reads and tell voters if they renew it, officials will receive $15 million instead of $10 million.

The issue will be on the April 17, 2004, ballot and will not increase taxes, said Painter.

The Northshore Harbor Center is a three-part multi-purpose events center near Oak Harbor in Slidell that would host gun, craft and knife shows as well as balls and business conventions.

Its development is expected to boost the economy in St. Tammany Parish, said Sen. Tom Schedler (R-Sli.), an avid supporter of the Northshore Harbor Center.

"When it is complete, it will be a very, very needed project on this side of the parish," he said recently.

According to Painter, the extra $5 million would enable officials to build a vast 35,228-square-foot facility. With its current financial status, officials can only build the shell of the facility which would be the first part of the three part building.

The money would be used for elevated seating for symphonies, storage rooms, dividing walls, furniture, high-tech equipment and more thorough parking, said Painter.

"It's really important to help us finish the building," said Painter. "It's the taxpayer's building, and it's our job to bring it to them and let them participate."

The news of extra money comes at time when officials have financially struggled to realize their dream.

Around six years ago, a marketing feasibility study suggested that a $10 million bond would fund the Northshore Harbor Center at its current location near Oak Harbor in Slidell, said center officials.

Gibbs Construction Co., the lowest bidder out of six competitors, bid $10.79 million for all three phases, just slightly more than the $10 million budgeted. The bid for the main hub was $7.36 million, while the other two parts of the facility were nearly $1.7 million each.

"The problem," said Painter, "is that the numbers and projected studies were from six years ago," adding that officials for the Northshore Harbor Center were ready to start construction then.

Yet, unpredicted state and federal requirements prevented officials from braking ground immediately.

Years of wetland mitigation, a rise in equipment cost, dirt foundation rules, engineering costs and more stretched the building time and increased the cost.

"This is not unusual," Painter said. "Unfortunately, it is not. If we were a private company, it would be easy. When you have the public looking over your shoulder you have to do it right. You are spending the public's money and you want to do it right."

With the potential of new funds, the sunset logo for the Northshore Harbor Center couldn't be more fitting, she said.

"This is really important," said Painter. "A top-notch facility is on the horizon.

Events center seeks bonds
Voters will decide; taxes won't be affected

By Kelly King
St. Tammany bureau

The Northshore Harbor Center Commission will ask voters in April for more money but not more taxes.

The commission Wednesday called an April 17 election for a $5 million bond issue.

From Our Advertiser

The commission already has a 5-mill assessment that generated the $10 million being used to build the events center near the Lakeshore Estates development, off Interstate 10 at the Oak Harbor exit near Slidell. But the project faces an approximate $6.8 million shortfall in financing to complete and outfit the first phase of the center, which will be used for everything from high-tech conventions and concerts to trade shows and Carnival balls.

The increase in the cost of the facility results from factors ranging from site preparation to inflation.

The commission hopes to meet that shortfall by asking the voters to approve a $5 million bond issue, which will include design improvements such as separating one large room into four split-out areas, storage and stadium seating.

"This will allow us to do smaller conventions," said Graydon Hass, chairman of the commission's Space and Function Committee, which made the recommendation to put the issue on the ballot. "We are trying to get the most facility for the money without increasing the millage."

Hass, board chairman Joseph Anderson Jr. and newly appointed board member Warren Berault stressed that the bond issue will not raise the millage voters are already paying.

The proposed 20-year bond issue will allow the commission to use the money for construction and improvements to the center as it is being generated.

"We have to prevail on this project," Anderson said. "We can generate $5 million more from the same millage with the bond issue."

"The same millage supports more because we live in a place where values are going up. This is not a blank check. The same millage will get more" money, Berault said.

Because property values are going up in this area, the mills already passed are now worth more. The commission can ask for more money in the bond issue and still use the same millage to pay back the bonds, bonding attorney Jerry Osborne said.

Before being placed on the ballot, the issue must be approved by the State Bond Commission.

Copyright 2004 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans)

Harbor funding plan offered
Events Center marketing proposal aims to catch facility up

By Matthew Penix

SLIDELL -- Officials for a multi-purpose events center in Slidell approved the first step early Wednesday to develop a financial sponsorship plan that could be similar to marketing themes inside the Louisiana Superdome.

Although logistics have yet to be determined, the East St. Tammany Events Center Commission (ESTECC) approved the "go-ahead" to develop a financial sponsorship plan for the Northshore Harbor Center, a three-part, 150,000-square-foot events facility that has struggled to find construction funds.

"Obviously it is an out-of-the box kind of thing," said commission member Deb Morel. "But this thing has been done in other areas."

The plan would seek corporate and private sponsorships to finance yet-to-be-built parts of the facility. Areas such as rooms, outside terraces, benches and more could be available for sponsorship under the plan. Officials, however, said the plan would be classy and in good taste.

"With the reality of the budget, it is probably an appropriate time to discuss this," Morel said. "We could assign values to every parcel."

Morel said the sponsorships would provide recognition for investors, and he added the practice is common in the business world.

Northshore Harbor Center officials stumbled recently when they learned a rise in dirt foundation costs, inflation, years of wetland mitigation and more, increased the center's first 50,000-square-foot facility cost to almost twice the original $10 million officials budgeted for.

But some relief may be possible.

The ESTECC also approved authorization for a $8,414,407 capital outlay request for the 2004-2005 fiscal year at its Wednesday morning meeting. The money would be enough to complete the whole 50,000-square-foot facility, instead of only the 35,000-square-foot facility currently being built, said Kerry Painter, general manager for the Northshore Harbor Center.

If awarded, the funds would help complete the main hub's parking lot, athletic seating and more in time for its expected opening in spring of 2005. Additions of the center's other two parts will be added on when funding is available later.

The center, even with its scaled down first building, is expected to bring growth and economic development to Slidell, according to Sen. Tom Schedler (R-Sli).

In other Northshore Harbor Center news, Suzanne Parsons, a board member on the ESTECC and public information officer for St. Tammany Parish, resigned from her post on the ESTECC. She sighted lack of time in a written document as one reason for the resignation.

SLIDELL - A list of prices, policies and procedures will now be available to organizations hoping to hold events in the Northshore Harbor Center (NHC), soon to be built in Slidell.

The East St. Tammany Events Center Commission approved the rental prices, policies and procedures, after receiving several phone calls from groups looking to rent space in the new building, according to Kerry Painter, the center's general manager.

"We were already getting phone calls, which was a good sign," said Painter. "We just didn't have much to tell them yet."

Some of those who have expressed interest in the center so far include Exciting Concepts, to hold a home and garden show, the Louisiana Square Dance Association, to hold its 2005 convention, and First Baptist Church of Slidell to hold a basketball awards ceremony. Those planning boat shows and gun shows have also been in touch, said Painter.

"We're reaching some unusual groups," she said.

"That's what we're hoping for."

Painter said the prices, policies and procedures should be viewed as a "living, breathing article," meaning specifics are likely to change as the NHC moves closer to construction.

"It's as final as possible at the moment," she said.

The rental fee for the entire facility currently stands at $3,000 which includes a 10-hour use of the assembly and recital halls, and a five-hour rental of three meeting  rooms. The fee also includes one standard furniture set-up in each room.

Floor plans of the building can be viewed online at  www.harborcenter.org.

A 10-hour rental of the assembly hall only costs $1,800  plus a $500 set-up fee. The recital hall will cost $400 for  a 10-hour rental with no set-up fee. Meeting rooms 1 and 2 cost $125 for five hours and $50 for each set-up.  Meeting room 3 will cost $200 for five hours with a $100 set-up fee.

Rates do not include the rental of equipment, extra staffing, overtime costs, box office services, advertising, catering or other building services.

Additional charges may apply for weekends and holidays.

The policies and procedures for the NHC include guidelines for audio visual equipment, bookings and scheduling, sponsorship, waste disposal, animals, decorations, emergency procedures and security, among others.

The East St. Tammany Events Center Commission also decided to have an updated feasibility study conducted by Economic Research Associates (ERA) of Chicago.  ERA completed a feasibility for the harbor center five years ago, but the commission felt a new one should be  done to make sure it is up to date.

The study will cost $15,000 and investigate how the surrounding market has changed, fundraising sponsorship possibilities, the impact of economic  development and anticipated revenue.

The ERA has done similar studies for stadiums and convention centers.

By Matthew Penix

SLIDELL -- After 19 years, Joe Anderson's work finally paid off. Anderson, chairman for the East St. Tammany Events Center Commission, received unanimous approval to sign paperwork early Wednesday morning that would finalize construction of a new events center in Slidell.

The Northshore Harbor Center, the events center Anderson has worked on since 1984, is expected to rush Slidell with economic development, said Anderson, but it may take a year to see the results.

Builders for the new events center will begin construction of the main hub of the planned three-part facility -- which will house a trade show area,   offices, a front entrance, rest rooms and a lounge -- within 60 days, he said.

Gibbs Construction Co., the lowest bidder out of six competitors, is expected to finish the $7.36-million main hub of the facility by late fall   or early winter 2004, while logistics for the two other free-standing parts   are hammered out.

The two other parts of the facility would house meeting rooms, a recital hall, staff lockers and kitchen storage areas, said Anderson.

Gibbs Construction Co. bid $10.79 million for all three phases, just slightly more than the $10 million budgeted. The bid for the main hub was $7.36 million, while the other two parts of the facility were nearly $1.7 million each, according to general manager of the Northshore Harbor Center, Kerry Painter.

Yet, regardless of the numbers, project officials are enthusaised to have closed a deal for the main hub.

"It's a done deal," said Anderson with a bright smile and a toast to the commission. "We are finally in construction.   "Anderson, who has seen the project morph several times throughout the 19 years he has worked on it, believes the current version is the best one.

"It will bring a quality of life to St. Tammany Parish," he said. "The economic development is extremely important, but for the individual it is  invaluable."

The Northshore Harbor Center will not only attract speakers, large political and social functions, he said, but pump money back into the community.

"Over time it will be a great feeling of pride for the center," he said.

However, before construction begins, project officials must wait for Beverly Construction Co. to remove an 11-foot extra layer of dirt poured on   the foundation to pack in loose dirt. Beverly Construction Co. unanimously received approval Wednesday morning for a $156,000 contract to remove the excess dirt.

The removal of a dirt foundation is a "very typical construction process," according to Ron Martinez, a board member, who added that the process was planned and won't change any financial plans.

"Basically, the extra dirt was added for weight to push down the dirt and speed up the settling process," Martinez said, adding that it took around nine months for the dirt to settle.

By Carol Wolfram
St. Tammany bureau

Champagne flowed Wednesday as Northshore Harbor Center commissioners toasted the signing of a $7.36 million contract with a Harahan company to build a multipurpose events center off Oak Harbor Boulevard near Slidell.

Commission Chairman Joseph Anderson Jr. thanked God several times for the "miracle" that construction is finally about to begin. Anderson is the only remaining charter member of the group, first known as the Greater Slidell Area Events Center Committee, that in 1984 began researching the feasibility of building a multipurpose facility to serve the 8th and 9th wards.

"I thank God for his grace and I'm thankful to the people of St. Tammany for supporting this project that has the potential to benefit our quality of life and provide great economic benefits to St. Tammany Parish, in general, and specifically, the 8th and 9th wards," Anderson said, leading commissioners in a mimosa toast.

The winning base bid from Gibbs Construction Co. includes construction of a trade show area, offices, front entrance, restrooms and lounge, according to Kerry Painter, general manager of the center.

Alternate bids of $1.77 million and $1.66 million were submitted to separately build three meeting rooms and a recital area, and an area including kitchen storage and staff lockers, respectively.

Ron Martinez, project manager of Scairono Martinez Architects of Metairie, applauded the occasion. "You also ought to make a motion to slap yourselves on the backs. A lot of work has gone into this," he said.

Voters in the 8th and 9th wards in 1999 approved a property tax of up to 5 mills to finance construction of the 45,000-square-foot center on a 25-acre site. Construction is expected to be completed by November or December of next year.

Copyright 2003 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans, LA)

Business forum to be held in connection with 9-11 aftermath
Slidell event scheduled for Septemer 11 at Trinity's

By Matthew Penix

SLIDELL - More than a thousand miles separated Slidell and the terrorist attacks in New York City two years ago.

Yet, St. Tammany Parish residents and businesses felt the shockwave that injured the economy, according to Kerry Painter, general manager for the Northshore Harbor Center.

In remembrance of the terrorists attacks while looking for a way to improve local hospitality businesses, a forum will by sponsored by many local businesses from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. Thursday, September 11, at Trinity's Banquet Hall at the Slidell Factory Outlet mall.

"The attacks made people sit up and realize that things were different," said Painter. "We were no longer spending the money, including me, and we had to learn how to operate business and hotels."

The terrorist attacks have had continued effects on the hospitality community, she said, adding that when people travel, numerous businesses benefit.

By examining the strength and vitality of local businesses and by understanding the future of St. Tammany Parish, business owners can flourish, said Painter.

"People thought it might be the end of the world, but we have really bounced back," she said. "But we need to band together more. If we figure out where we are now, we can have more success in the future."

The forum should examine this idea, she said adding that many "big players" within the hospitality business are featured on the panel.

For reservations call Kerry Painter at 985-781-3650 by September 5.

Harbor center panel OKs bid
But project still needs La. agency approval

By Kelly King
St. Tammany bureau

Hoping to salvage a $7.36 million construction bid for a new events center off Oak Harbor Boulevard in Slidell, the Northshore Harbor Center Commission has scheduled a special meeting tonight to order architects to prepare a site-development bid package that will satisfy the state.

The commission Wednesday accepted a $7.36 million bid by Gibbs Construction Co. of Harahan to build the new center. But that approval came with a caveat: The project first needs the assent of the state Facility Planning and Control Department.

That department's endorsement will enable the commission to receive $750,000 in construction financing approved last year by the Legislature.

When the commission late Wednesday learned it would not receive the state's approval without a separate site-development bid package -- which would address issues such as utilities, roads and parking -- it called tonight's emergency meeting. The commission tonight is expected to request that Blitch/Knevel Architects of New Orleans begin preparing the site-development bid package for state consideration. It will also accept Gibbs' bid without reservation, commission general manager Kerry Painter said.

The company's base bid includes construction of the center's trade show floor, offices, entrance, restrooms and lounge.

In other business, Commissioner and Finance Committee Chairwoman Grace Marshall has resigned, citing personal reasons. Marshall was appointed to the commission by the Slidell Chamber of Commerce.

"She has made an incredible contribution to this project, but we will accept this with regrets," commission Chairman Joseph Anderson Jr. said.

The board also approved Marshall's recommendation to dissolve the Finance Committee. With Painter on board as the Northshore Harbor Center's general manager, a treasurer serving on the board and an auditing firm on hand, the commission agreed the committee was no longer necessary.

Copyright 2003 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans, LA)

Bids for Northshore Harbor Center get engineering approval

By Matthew Penix

SLIDELL -- Engineers for the three-part Northshore Harbor Center said they have been informed that construction bids were structurally sufficient, but progress will deadlock until state engineers also approve all of the seven bids for the new local events center.

Officials are hopeful to accept a final bid for at least one part of the three-part facility -- which will house a trade show area, offices, a front entrance, restrooms and a lounge -- Aug. 13 at the East St. Tammany Events Commission's (ESTEC) next regular meeting.

The two other parts of the facility would consist of meeting rooms, a recital hall, staff lockers and kitchen storage areas.

"We are hopeful to open up the facility late fall or early winter," said Ad Hoc secretary for the ESTEC, Irma Cry. "But the Commission is not sure how much we would be able to open up right now."

Currently, Gibbs Construction Co. bid the lowest out of six competitors at $10.79 million for all three phases, just slightly more than the $10 million budgeted. The bid for the main hub ranges around $7 million while the other two parts of the facility were nearly $1.7 million each, according to General Manager Kerry Painter.

The highest bid for all three parts was $12 million, she said.

"It just depends on the capital outlay we get from the state," said Cry about money the state sometimes gives to projects serving the public.

Another bid for transportation of excess dirt from the foundation will be opened within a week and accepted Aug. 25, according to Ron Martinez, an architect and board member of ESTEC.

The removal of a dirt foundation is a "very typical construction process," according to Martinez, who added that the process was planned and won't change any financial plans.

Currently, 11 feet of dirt must be removed above the 13-foot maximum height required by engineering criteria.

"Basically the extra dirt was added for weight to push down the dirt and speed up the settling process," Martinez said, adding that it takes around nine months for the dirt to settle.

The Times-Picayune
Sunday, July 27, 2003

Representatives of the East St. Tammany Events Center District Commission will be shopping for bargains and gathering information today and Monday at the International Association of Assembly Managers 78th annual Conference and Trade Show at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans.  Pre-approved Tuesday by the commission was the purchase of a 640-square-foot dance floor. The 40 4-by-4-foot panels, which will be displayed during the trade show, will be sold to the commission for $7,490, a $5,000 discount off its original price, at the conclusion of the conference. Though the dance floor will not see foot traffic in the Northshore Harbor Center until the center opens in November or December of 2004, the floor will be needed at that time and also will be available for pre-opening functions at the construction site off Oak Harbor Boulevard.

The IAAM is the world’s largest professional association dedicated exclusively to issues relevant to public assembly facilities. 

Copyright 2003 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans, LA)

Harbor Center bids bring concerns for facility

By Matthew Penix

SLIDELL - The final building to be called the Northshore Harbor Center may end up being less of a facility than planned if more money is not found for construction.

Since opened bids were found slightly over budget projections on Tuesday, project officials say they will build the main hub now, then hope to generate around $1 million to complete construction on the three-part facility later.

"It's definitely going to be a challenge for us to build the complete building," said Project Manager Kerry Painter, adding that she is hopeful to find additional revenue somewhere, somehow in the future.

For now, officials will start construction on the center's main hub consisting of a trade show area, offices, a front entrance, restrooms and a lounge to exact specifications.

The other two areas of the three-part facility - which would consist of meeting rooms, a recital hall, staff lockers and kitchen storage areas - will be built later when additional funding is raised.

"We are moving forward with building," said Painter. "It just might be in steps."

Project officials said the bids from seven companies on Tuesday were higher than they had hoped, over the $10 million budgeted, however, no rebidding is expected at this time, Painter said.

"This is why we bid it in three pieces," said Painter. "So that if we could only build part one at a time, we would."

To date Gibbs Construction Co. of Harahan has submitted the lowest bid out of six other competitors at $10.79 million, just over the $10 million budgeted.

Bids won't be accepted until architects examine them and determine if they meet requirements. Bids will be reviewed 6 p.m., July 28.

Bids opened on Northshore Center
Harahan firm beats 6 rivals

By Kelly King
St. Tammany bureau

Gibbs Construction Co. of Harahan has submitted the apparent low bid of $10.79 million for construction of the Northshore Harbor Center near Slidell.

Bids were opened Tuesday, and Gibbs' bid was the lowest of seven companies to submit a price.

The bids will be reviewed by the East St. Tammany Events Center Commission's architect at the next commission meeting, which will be July 28 at 6 p.m. at the St. Tammany Tourist and Convention Commission office in the Slidell Factory Outlets mall.

A contemporary design by Blitch/Knevel Architects Inc. of New Orleans, the 45,000-square-foot, nautically themed Northshore Harbor Center will include a recital hall, meeting rooms, a glass-walled lounge and exhibit space to accommodate conferences, trade shows, concert performances, athletic tournaments and social events.

Companies were asked to make a base bid for the trade show area, offices, front entrance, restrooms and the lounge, Northshore Harbor Center general manager Kerry Painter said. They also were asked to give alternate bids for an area consisting of three meeting rooms and a recital hall, and another area that houses the kitchen storage area and staff lockers.

Gibbs' proposal included a base bid of $7.36 million and alternate bids of $1.77 million and $1.66 million for the two separate aspects of the construction plans.

Other bids were submitted by:

-- Gootee Construction of Metairie -- $10.81 million, with a base bid of $7.39 million and alternate bids of $1,795,000 and $1,625,000.

-- Woodrow Wilson of Baton Rouge -- $10,889,000, with a $7,597,000 base bid and alternate bids of $1,772,000 and $1.52 million.

-- Roy Anderson Corp. of Gulfport, Miss. -- $10,889,000, with a $7.48 million base bid and alternate bids of $1.76 million and $1,649,000.

-- McDonnel Group of Metairie -- $10,987,000, with a $7,647,000 base bid and alternate bids of $1.75 million and $1.59 million.

-- Landis Construction Co. of Jefferson -- $11,042,000, with a $7,647,000 base bid and alternate bids of $1,695,000 and $1.7 million.

-- WG Yates & Sons of Biloxi, Miss. -- $12,001,000, with a $8,591,000 base bid and alternate bids of $1.77 million and $1.64 million.

"We don't have much more than $10 million to spend on this project," Painter said.

Voters in the 8th and 9th wards of the parish in 1999 approved a property tax of up to 5 mills to finance construction of the $10 million-plus multipurpose center on a 25-acre site off Oak Harbor Boulevard. Construction is expected to be completed by November or December of next year.

Copyright 2003 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans, LA)

Parish to build access road for events center

By Carol Wolfram
St. Tammany bureau

St. Tammany Parish will receive the rights to build and maintain an access road adjacent to the Northshore Harbor Center site off Oak Harbor Boulevard.

The East St. Tammany Events Center District finalized on Wednesday a right of way agreement that will give the commission's rights to the property to the parish. The parish plans to build an access road on the property that ultimately will include inbound and outbound lanes, and a 30-foot construction servitude. Included in the resolution will be a request to name the access road Harbor Center Drive and retain uninterrupted access to the center property during construction.

Tuesday is the deadline to receive bids on the Northshore Harbor Center construction project. Construction should be completed by November or December 2004.

In other business, general manager Kerry Painter unveiled Northshore Harbor Center logo designs created by Kristina Batiste of San Francisco, Calif., that earned the commission's full endorsement. Painter encouraged commissioners to log onto the center's Web site, northshoreharborcenter.com, which touts the center's access to "New Orleans & then some."

Painter also announced that former Commissioner Lisa Fitzmorris Clement has agreed to work on the group's marketing committee.

Commission Chairman Joseph Anderson Jr. announced that a new legislative committee has been established. It will be led by Commissioner Gwen Wade with Commissioners Boogie Gomila, Paula Falgout and David Champagne as committee members. The committee will be responsible for coordinating the commission's state and federal legislative lobbying efforts, Anderson said.

The commission also OK'd paying up to $25,000 to Eustis Engineering to conduct tests on and monitor the driving and loading of the site test piles. A second expenditure also was approved, with up to $4,500 to Second Opinion Inc. authorized for cost estimates on design, development and construction documents.

The commission's next meeting will be July 28 at 6 p.m. at the St. Tammany Tourist and Convention Commission offices in Slidell.

Copyright 2003 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans, LA)

Harbor Center has another minor delay in moving to construction start

By Chad Hebert

SLIDELL - As part of a project that is already running behind the anticipated completion schedule, the Northshore Harbor Center board voted on Monday night to extend the date for the submission of bids pertaining to the construction of the new facility.

When completed, the center hopes to attract conventions, Mardi Gras balls and other events. The center will include a 19,000-square-foot assembly hall, as well as a 200-plus-seat recital hall. Meeting rooms and administrative offices will also be included in the facility, as well as a full-service kitchen.

According to Kerry Painter, the old date to submit a bid on the center was July 1. Now, she said, the date is July 15, giving contractors two extra weeks to get their bids ready to turn in. Painter added that bids are not accepted prior to July 15.

The facility, which will be located near Interstate 10 in the area of Eden Isles, is far behind the anticipated completion schedule. Construction was originally said to begin sometime in 2002.

"It should be finished by 2003," Ron Martinez of Scairono Martinez Architects said in 2001.

Painter said that no new completion date has been set. One will be set once all bids are processed and a contractor is chosen for the project.

Bids were accepted in April 2001 for the "pre-loading" of the site. According to a report in the Slidell Sentry-News, pre-loading was necessary because the site was at an elevation of 2 feet below sea level. Site crews unloaded 15 feet of fill to raise the elevation of the site, along with an additional nine more feet to help the settling along.

It took approximately nine months for the fill to settle completely. Architectural plans for the center were also unveiled in 2001.

Tourism panel's plan tweaks state cash flow;
Groups would have to prequalify for funds

By Carol Wolfram
St. Tammany bureau

The St. Tammany Tourist and Convention Commission's Finance Subcommittee hammered out the details Tuesday on a proposal that will establish new guidelines by which governmental entities apply for state Special Revenue Funds.

Since 1997, the tourist commission has received from the state a rebate of the state sales tax collected from hotels and motels in St. Tammany and is charged with distributing those restricted funds to St. Tammany performing arts and convention centers for research, development, marketing and feasibility studies as well as capital improvements related to construction, maintenance and operation of convention center facilities.

Led by Bryan Gowland of Abita Springs, the subcommittee will recommend that the commission approve guidelines that will require organizations to prequalify to be considered for a portion of the available revenue funds. About $96,000 will be available in mid-August and an additional $174,000 of the restricted funds are included in the commission's 2003-04 fiscal year budget.

"It really is something we spend a lot of time on. We spent legal fees and staff time. The smoother we can make the process, the less burdensome it will become," said Hyatt Hood, executive director of the commission.

If approved by the commission, government entities in St. Tammany will be asked to file a qualification application by Aug. 1. They will be notified of their eligibility to apply for money by Sept. 1 and will be invited to file Special Revenue Fund project applications by Oct. 1.

Though still a time-consuming process, the opportunity to distribute the money in a manner that will enhance tourism in St. Tammany was deemed a worthy one. "There's a burden plus an opportunity attached to it," Gowland said.

Some commissioners questioned whether a month is enough time for the organizations to prepare and submit their applications. Representatives of the East St. Tammany Events Center District Commission, the Castine Center at Pelican Park and the Greater Covington Center could only chuckle at that concern. "I had mine in my briefcase, in case you wanted it," said Kerry Painter, general manager of the Events Center Commission's Northshore Harbor Center, the construction of which is expected to begin this summer with a projected completion date in the fall of 2004.

Though private and nonprofit groups do not qualify for the Special Revenue Funds, they are be eligible to apply for grants through the commission's Cooperative Promotions Program. "You don't have a shortage of applications under those limited guidelines, and there's a pool of money available to those other organizations," said Commissioner Zachary Casey, a member of the Finance Committee.

The Special Revenue Funds recommendation by the finance subcommittee will be considered by the full Tourist and Convention Commission at its June 3 meeting.

Copyright 2003 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans, LA)

By Carol Wolfram
St. Tammany bureau

East St. Tammany Events Center Commissioner Deb Morel said "Hallelujah!" and meant it during the commission's meeting last week in Slidell.

Project manager Ron Martinez, of Scairono, Martinez Architects, had just announced that the projected bid date for construction of the center is May 1.

Voters in the 8th and 9th wards of the parish in 1999 approved a property tax of up to 5 mills to finance construction of the $10 million-plus multipurpose center on a 25-acre site near the Oak Harbor interchange off Interstate 10, south of Slidell.

Since that time, the commission has met monthly, and sometimes twice a month, to discuss details ranging from the name and design of the facility to the number of handicapped spaces its parking lot would provide. After months spent watching the piling and settling of more than $1.6 million in fill dirt, construction of the center is expected to begin this summer. It is expected to be complete in the fall of 2004.

Martinez credited Commissioner Boogie Gomila for anchoring the project. "Boogie, stay behind it," Morel said.

In other business, the commission approved a $54,000 contract for voice and data communications design with S.B. Communications; $11,500 to Second Opinion Inc. for updating the cost of the project prior to bids; and a $16,800 landscape design contract with Daly Sublet.

Commissioner Suzanne Parsons Curran, who also is the Cultural and Governmental Affairs director for St. Tammany Parish, stressed a preference for indigenous plants in the landscape design. "We need indigenous plants that grow wild and look good," she said.

General Manager Kerry Painter announced that she attended a district meeting in Biloxi, Miss., of the International Association of Assembly Managers and has joined the host committee for the association's 78th annual Conference and Trade Show to be held July 25-29 at the Ernest N. Morial Convention Center in New Orleans. Involvement in coordinating the conference is sure to further promote the facility. "They know we're coming," Painter said.

Painter also is at work on developing a logo and a policies and procedures manual for the facility. The commission approved a $2,500 expenditure for New Millenium Designs, of Slidell, to design possible logos for the group to consider. "It's important that you know this logo is us -- forever," Painter said.

The commission also approved a $15,000 contract with iNet image, Inc. to design, maintain and host a Northshore Harbor Center Web site.

Copyright 2003 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans, LA)

Harbor Center aiming for construction to begin as early as this summer

SLIDELL --- Construction for the Northshore Harbor Center could begin as early as this summer, according to Suzanne Parsons of the East St. Tammany Events Center Commission space and function committee.

Parsons said the commission plans to have a construction document available for bid on May 1. Engineers have already begun the test pile program for the site.

At a Wednesday morning meeting, the commission also selected iNet Image, Inc. as its Internet service provider and the logo company New Millennium Designs to design its website. North Shore Harbor Center General Manager Kerry Painter said the Slidell-based companies were chosen out of 12 different applicants originally presented to the commission a year ago.

"They are both local companies," said Painter. "That was very important to us."

The 45,000 square foot facility will be located on 25 acres north of Lakeshore Estates, off the Oak Harbor exit on Interstate 10 in Slidell. The events center is expected to host conventions, amateur sporting events and trade shows.

Story by: Aileen Ruli

Events center panel prepares for manager

By Ann Barks
Contributing writer

It's down to the final details and less than two weeks before the long-planned Northshore Harbor Center has its first general manager behind a desk and working to oversee construction, staff the facility and then market the center to potential users.

However, the details surrounding that desk, along with office space, telephones, health insurance and other matters, are still being ironed out for incoming General Manager Kerry Painter by members of the East St. Tammany Events Center Commission.

By the time she reports for her first official day of work March 1, commission members will have secured a temporary office for her, telephone service, workers' compensation and health insurance.

A national search ended in January with an offer of employment to Painter, who currently works and lives in San Francisco.

At its regular monthly meeting held this week, Marketing Committee Chair Deb Morel told fellow commissioners that Painter has already impressed him with her ability to make things happen quickly. She has already purchased a home in the community, Morel said, much earlier than the three months the commission had given her to live in temporary housing while searching for a permanent home. Painter seems excited about the future of the center, Morel said.

"Her enthusiasm continues to build," Morel said. "It's really kind of rewarding to hear that from her and I'm looking forward to everyone meeting her."

Painter is the former manager for San Francisco City Hall, the Detroit Opera House and major league sports venues. She was selected from a field of 38 applicants for the new position. Construction of the $10 million, 45,000-square-foot multipurpose center is expected to begin this spring in Oak Harbor East south of Slidell. It is expected to be complete in the spring or summer of 2004.

While the commission's search committee has interviewed Painter, the majority of the commission has yet to meet her. Their first formal opportunity will come when she attends the commission's next meeting March 12.

The next evening, Painter will meet many local officials and tourism officials at an invitation-only informal reception the commission will host to begin introducing her to the community leaders with whom she will work to attract organizations and companies to use the center.

Over the next few months, Morel and commission Chairman Joe Anderson said, Painter will begin making formal presentations to local civic and business organizations about the center and its promotional efforts.

In other business, project manager Ron Martinez, an architect with Scairono Martinez Architects, briefed the commission on the construction work that will be done by St. Tammany Parish to build a road to its planned "park and ride" lot next to the center. Anderson and Martinez have met with the parish engineer to assure that contractors working on the center will have access to the site even while the access road is being built.

The parish has agreed to put conduits under the road so that the center can lay its lines for connection to utilities, Martinez said.

In addition, the board approved having Martinez begin work to identify and send out requests for proposals to local qualified companies to design, install and service the center's telecommunications system.

The commission's March 12 meeting begins at 7:30 a.m. at the St. Tammany Tourist and Convention Commission offices at the Slidell Factory Outlets.

Copyright 2003 The Times-Picayune Publishing Company
Times-Picayune (New Orleans, LA)