By Todd Hatton
Murray, KY – Paducah's Convention and Visitors Bureau has decided to make an investment in the financially strapped convention and expo centers. Wednesday, the CVB board voted to pay half the cost of a pending $60,000 contract between the Paducah-McCracken County Convention Center Corporation and the Luther F. Carson Four Rivers Center. The CCC has been negotiating a contract with the Carson Center to take over management duties. According to The Paducah Sun, the money will come from the visitors' bureau's 175 thousand dollar rainy-day fund. CCC chairman Jim Sigler says the board will likely vote on the contract today. The current draft says the Carson Center will provide administrative, support, and some marketing services for the centers for six months at $10,000 a month. Visitors Bureau chairman Glen Denton says it's possible his organization will provide additional assistance. He pointed out it is important to protect and support the convention and Carson centers, as significant taxpayer funds are invested in them.