The Bridgeport News

Thursday, March 30, 2006

By Jeff Toquinto

When it comes to athletics, a lot of programs like to have a marquee opponent for their home opener. When it comes to business, they like to have a marquee name or opportunity associated with their opening.

Certainly, the first event at the Bridgeport Conference and Convention Center at Charles Pointe appears to have the marquee names nailed down.

On April 8, the Conference Center will host the North Central West Virginia Jefferson Jackson Day Dinner. The event, sponsored by the Harrison County Democratic Committee, will be dubbed “A Salute to Robert C. Byrd,” the Mountain State’s senior senator.

Along with Byrd, D-W.Va., being on hand as the guest of honor, several other political heavyweights have also confirmed their attendance. Greg Schillace, who is involved with the program, said the Congressman Alan Mollohan and Gov. Joe Manchin are also set to be in attendance. Because of that, there will likely also be a strong media presence at the center.

“If this were say a corporate meeting or some other association meeting, you probably wouldn’t have any media coverage, said Genesis Partners Director of Resort and Leisure Services Mike Hager, who oversees CP Hospitality, the group operating the conference center. “We’re excited to have this type of opportunity for our first event. It’s a challenge to our staff to be prepared at short notice, but again, it’s a wonderful opportunity to showcase the conference center.”

The dinner will benefit the North Central West Virginia Democratic Executive Committees of Harrison, Marion, Monongalia, Lewis, Upshur and Taylor counties, said Schillace. He said that 30 tables, with 10 individuals to each table, are sold out.

“It took less than a day, roughly 20 hours, to sell all of the tickets,” said Schillace.