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In a unanimous vote, the Shreveport City Council approved an extension of the contract for continued management of the Shreveport Convention Center with SMG. A global leader in venue management, SMG has provided full management and marketing services, including day-to-day operations, since the Shreveport Convention Center since opened in 2006.

"It is without question that SMG has exceeded our expectations in effectively and efficiently managing our city’s largest capital project and major asset, the Shreveport Convention Center," declared Cedric B. Glover, Mayor City of Shreveport. "Our relationship with SMG and their ongoing successes have produced untold economic impact for the City of Shreveport. As indicated with a unanimous city council vote, we look forward to a continued and productive relationship with the SMG team."

The City Council and Mayor singled out Sam Voisin, General Manager of the venue, for his ceaseless efforts in improving fiscal performance at the Center, especially since SMG "beat" its own budget, a surprising achievement in the current business climate. According to Voison, the budget submitted to the city forecasted approximately $300,000 in the red, but the reality was that SMG was able to increase revenues and decreased expenses above that projected figure. "We have a very committed team at the convention center whose hard work has been validated by a unanimous vote of confidence from the City Council," said Voisin.

The vote occurred during their meeting on the evening of February 23rd. "The faith shown by the Shreveport City Council in SMG's ability to continue to meet or exceed expectations in facility management and performance of this premiere venue is very gratifying," said Wes Westley, President & CEO, SMG. "SMG's continued service to the people of Shreveport is a source of great pride for us."

The Shreveport Convention Center is a 350,000-square-foot, multi-purpose events facility, featuring: 95,000-square-foot, column-free Exhibit Hall, an 8,200- square-foot Ballroom, 10 Meeting Rooms and a 2,400-square-foot Boardroom. The Shreveport Convention Center also is connected to a 313-room, full-service Hilton Hotel that opened in June 2007.

"We are very pleased to be a part of the overall success of Shreveport's hospitality industry. The Convention Center has proven to be a real winner for the Community, which is a real tribute to our strong management team there and great partnership with the City," added Doug Thornton, Senior Vice President, SMG.