The Shreveport Convention Center is a dream that came true despite much opposition. Last year the new center cost the city over $350,000. "The projection is that it would be 1.5 or 1.6 million and it ended up being closer to 1.8, 1.9 million,” explained Mayor Cedric Glover, City of Shreveport. "We had extra expenses because the construction wasn't finished. We didn't move into our offices until May, we had to pay rent for 4 months for other office space which duplicated a lot of other expenses we were already paying for,” said Mike Carrier, General Manager for the Shreveport Convention Center. Not to mention the kitchen, it wasn't open for 6 months and that meant more labor and equipment costs. The mayor says the money was pulled from the general fund to cover the gap, but this year the council is going to be watching where every penny goes. "I think it's necessary for us to keep a close tab as possible in terms of how we go about marketing, renting and making use of the facility,” said Mayor Glover. Carrier admits he is puzzled by one thing; most events are booked inside a 12 month window instead of a year or so in advance but that didn't stop 138 events from marching through the center in 2006 and 2007. "We know we have a better handle on it for this year,” commented Carrier.
