Boone County News Release
For Immediate Release
Media Contact:
Michele Hall, Boone County Commission Administrative Coordinator
Phone: (573) 886-4312
Email: mhall@boonecountymo.org
Central Missouri Events Center Task Force to Hold Public Forum in Columbia
October 25, 2013
One public forum remains regarding the future of the Central Missouri Events Center. The final meeting will be held Monday, October 28, 2013 at 7:00PM in the Roger B. Wilson Boone County Government Center Commission Chambers. The public is encouraged to join the Central Missouri Events Center Task Force in discussing the potential of this Boone County asset. This meeting is the final of four public forums, three of which were held simultaneously Wednesday, October 23 across Boone County.
As a speaker at the Boone County Fair's Annual Ham Breakfast on Saturday, July 27, 2013, Northern District Commissioner Janet Thompson painted a sobering picture of the future of the fairgrounds. TAG Events, LLC, managers of CMEC since September 2011, announced earlier this year they will manage the venue through the end of June 2014. The future of this Boone County asset beyond TAG Events is uncertain, leaving difficult choices to be made. She finished with a call to action: as community members, we are essential to ensuring the future of CMEC and we, therefore, must all actively participate in creating that future. On Thursday, September 26, Commissioner Thompson proved this wasn't just lip service by calling to order the first meeting of the Central Missouri Events Center Task Force. The Task Force, chaired by former Governor Roger B. Wilson, includes representatives of Boone County communities with a passion for bringing CMEC back to life.
CMEC is a multi-use venue with great potential for growth and, with that growth, the potential for increased revenue to local businesses. It is only with the support and participation of citizens from across Boone County, however, that this potential may be realized. The first three meetings held at Ashland Optimist Club, Hallsville Intermediate School and Midway Heights Elementary School left task force members feeling optimistic. Across the board, citizens expressed positive support for further development of the area formerly known as the Boone County Fairgrounds and provided constructive input for both short-term and long-term improvement and sustainability.
The Central Missouri Events Center Task Force will use the input gathered at the public forums as a valuable tool in developing the recommendation they will present to the Boone County Commission. Questions may be directed to the Commission office at (573) 886-4312.
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