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STEPHENCARR.NET - LAS CRUCES NEWS - Convention Center is formally unveiled - Las Cruces Sun-News
LAS CRUCES - Jimmy Carter wasn't invited to Thursday's grand opening of the Las Cruces Convention Center, but maybe should have been.
Carter was president at the time planning for a convention center in Las Cruces first began. All of that finally became reality Thursday when city officials and representatives of New Mexico State University and New Mexico's congressional delegation gathered with numerous business owners and residents for a ribbon-cutting ceremony that officially opened the approximately $27 million facility.
City Councilor Dolores Connors, whose district includes the long-awaited and highly coveted facility, thanked everyone involved for so many years.
"There is not enough time today to hear from the many citizens who envisioned a convention center in Las Cruces since the '80s," said Connor, a lifelong resident. "Over these years, some have passed from this Earth and others have moved from Las Cruces during this process. ... This grand opening is positive evidence that the growth in our community is the direction that keeps us in business, and that only through the promotion of business can we continue to grow our services."
Ken Mompellier, executive director of the Las Cruces Convention Center, put it in a little different light, and Mayor Ken Miyagishima agreed.
"There's a lot of people that have worked a long time for this," Mompellier said.
"It is a very special day, a very long time in coming," added Miyagishima, also a Las Cruces native.
The ribbon-cutting turned into a congratulations-fest, with a list that started with city department directors and staff members who saw to it that the project continued pushing forward. Thanks was given to former elected city officials whose visions of a convention center were passed on the past 30 years.
Representatives of New Mexico's congressional delegation congratulated and thanked residents for their stick-to-it attitude in making the convention center become reality.
"For almost half of my life we've working on this," said Xochitl Torres, a field representative for U.S. Sen. Tom Udall, D-N.M., who also is a lifelong Las Crucen.
Las Crucen Isaac Chavez, chief executive officer of the Las Cruces Association of Realtors, said the wait for the convention center was worth it.
"We've been waiting a long time for a convention center," Chavez said. "For a city our size, we need a place like this."
Ben Woods, senior vice president of external relations, and chief of staff at New Mexico State University, noted how Las Crucens worked together 122 years ago to raise $5,000 to make the university become a reality. He said the convention center is a fitting example that spirit still exists.
"We still find ways that if we work together, we can make things happen," Woods said.
Steve Ramirez can be reached at (575) 541-5452.
Breakdown
•Las Cruces' first-ever convention center was officially opened to the public Thursday.
•At least 30 years of effort and planning from numerous residents went into development of the multi-purpose community building.
•A private, formal gala, with about 250 dignitaries invited, will be conducted today at the Las Cruces Convention Center.
•A day-long public open house will be from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday at the convention center, 680 University Ave.
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