OLC looks to city for money

September 18, 2008

Edward Husar

The Oakley-Lindsay Center is hoping to secure a loan from the city of Quincy to help finance some needed capital improvements.

Rob Ebbing, executive director, said he recently met with the city’s Economic Development Loan Program committee to inquire about the feasibility of borrowing $300,000 to $350,000.

“They’re receptive to our needs,” Ebbing told the Civic Center Authority Wednesday. However, he added, “they’re not sure that we fit into the parameters” of the loan program.

Ebbing said he will draft a report to the loan committee explaining why he feels the OLC’s loan request would qualify.

“The committee will have to make a determination at that point if it’s something that they can pursue,” he said.

The Economic Development Loan Program was established in 1984 with the aim of promoting the Quincy area’s economy by providing financial incentives that encourage private investments for new and expanding businesses. One goal is that loans result in the creation and/or retention of jobs.

Ebbing feels at least some of the capital improvements being considered could qualify under this concept.

For example, a major project the Civic Center Authority wants to undertake calls for improving the acoustics in the OLC’s cavernous convention hall. Ebbing said some musical groups won’t perform there because the sound quality is so poor.

So if the acoustics can be improved, he feels the OLC will be able to attract more musical acts, including some big-name performers touring nationally.

He said setting up the convention hall for a mid-week concert — and then tearing down afterward for a weekend event — takes a considerable amount of manpower. So extra part-time workers would have to be brought in.

“We’re going to need more help, so it will end up creating more jobs,” he said.

Other capital projects being considered include replacing 1,400 chairs in the convention center and improving the heating/air conditioning systems serving offices on the OLC’s south side. Making those improvements, Ebbing said, would help keep the OLC on a competitive footing with other local businesses that rent space for offices and events.

Ebbing on Wednesday presented a marketing plan for the OLC that emphasizes the need to attract more conferences and special events as a way to generate extra revenue.

“We are blessed with the quality and size of this building. And to keep it viable, we have to generate additional cash to sustain the building,” he said.

However, Ebbing said it will take an infusion of cash to keep the OLC in top-notch condition so local and regional groups will want to hold functions there.

“When there are major meetings and events, we want people to think of the civic center, so we’ve got to keep it up to speed,” he said.

In other action, Ebbing reported paperwork is being filed to seek a total of $81,699 in reimbursement from the Federal Emergency Management Agency for the OLC’s costs in connection with floodfighting efforts this summer.

The OLC for a time served as a headquarters for sandbagging and other flood-related activities. Ebbing said the OLC is now seeking reimbursement for repairs needed to the floor and walls of the convention hall, repairs to the south parking lot, usage of equipment and extra labor costs.

“Most everything that we had expenses on was coverable, though not all of it,” Ebbing said. “But I think in the long run, overall, we’re going to come out OK.”