Focus shifts after deal approved for Lancaster County Convention Center

(Lancaster) — With much of the work on the refinancing plan for the Lancaster County Convention Center’s debt is done, the focus is shifting for all the parties involved.

Kevin Molloy, Executive Director of the Convention Center, is hoping to show how much it matters to the community.

He’s s now focused on reaching out to businesses, tourist attractions, and other groups around the county to strengthen its connection.

“There may be benefits, but I’m not sure they’re quantified, or everyone can actually quantify what those are to each individual,” says Molloy.

Molloy couldn’t offer specifics, but has dreams of putting together a presentation summarizing what the Convention Center does for the region.

Molloy says assembling something more than an economic impact study would also be helpful in setting benchmarks, and looking at potential areas for growth.

“There has been a bit of handcuffs on us because you know, you’re always waiting on the next communications on what you need to do for the financing, who you need to talk to and what needs to be done. No doubt about it, we can really work on the things that are going to be most important to getting Lancaster County’s Convention Center in the fabric of our community.”

A group that hasn’t been formed yet will also attempt to lure bigger events to the convention center as part of the refinancing deal, but details are still being worked out.

The “bridge plan” approved on July 1 stretches for seven years, and reduces financing costs for the Center by at least $3 million, with the bonds now fully guaranteed by the county.