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Public relations cited in
removal of arena manager
Published Wednesday, August 5, 2009
By Jebb Johnston
Staff Writer
Crossroads Arena's Board Chairman Bill Strickland said public relations concerns led to the board's removal of Reggie Churchwell from the position of general manager on Monday.
"It's public relations -- it's not anything but that," said Strickland. "We have had several folks who have been disgruntled at times for whatever reason. When you start looking into some things, you begin to find things that you felt like should have been done differently, and that's what's got us to this point.
"We are in the process of having an audit, but that's an annual thing. At this point, Mr. Churchwell was not accused of anything whatsoever in thatarea."
Strickland said good relations are paramount in operating the facility.
"That is a part that has been concerning us somewhat," he said. "We know that both the customer, which is the renter, has to be pleased if at all possible, and the patron has to feel like they're getting a fair shake for their money spent."
The board "felt like we would be better served with a new approach," he said.
Strickland said the board wishes Churchwell and his family well.
Churchwell was the general manager for more than five years and followed previous managers Frank Cable and John Aikin.
The board will plan a search for a new general manager in the coming days and will likely begin advertising the position.
"We want somebody that will build on what's been done and make it better for everybody," said Strickland. "We do have ongoing events that are coming. We don't want to see a decline in service or use of the building if at all possible."
Looking ahead, the board chairman said he would like to see the arena host a strong event each quarter and draw more diverse events to the facility.
"The ag side of the building I think needs to be explored a little more, if possible," said Strickland. "Ag events don't necessarily generate a lot of revenue for the building, but it generates a good bit of revenue for the community if it's a two- or three-day event, because you get folks spending the night."
He would also like to see a winter season forestry event and a spring garden show.
The annual walking horse show, a Rotary fund-raiser which has been discontinued, will be missed, said Strickland, and he hopes to see an event fill that void.
The facility is also being used for community-oriented activities such as school graduations and even as a walking area for people who want to exercise.
"The county basketball tournament has been quite successful, and I assume we will keep doing that as long as the schools want to do it. We really want all factions of the community to use the building," he said.
The facility is supported financially by the city and county. Also, half of the 2 percent tourism tax is designated for the arena, with most of that 1 percent used to retire debt on construction of the facility.
Strickland said the board hopes to see a time when the facility is self supporting with no need to request additional funds from the local governments.
In addition to Strickland, the arena's board members are Alva Dalton, Hardwick Kay, Tom Rogers, Jane Summers, Sam Tull and Phyllis Young.
