Corbin city leaders select new Arena manager

A four-month search to find the right person to manage the Corbin 5,000-seat arena and exposition center officially ended Monday.

City leaders voted unanimously to hire former Renfro Valley Entertainment Center CEO Connie Hunt to fill the job. Hunt fills the void left after the city voted earlier this year to discontinue its relationship with SMG Worldwide Event and Venue Management – a Philadelphia based company that is one of the world’s largest in the area of arena management.

"I’m looking forward to the future. I’m looking forward to seeing some events happening at the arena that I think people will really enjoy," Hunt said, following Monday’s vote. "It’s an awesome facility … It’s in a great location."

Hunt served as CEO and Talent Buyer for Renfro Valley Entertainment Center. She started with the company in 1990 as a ticket clerk and worked her way up through the ranks. Her experience working with artists and her connections in the music industry, particular in Nashville, she said would help her book events that will generate excitement at The Arena.

"I can tell you we are working on some shows, but I really can’t announce anything," Hunt said. "I know there have been some success stories at The Arena and I want to take a look at those and have more of those type of success stories. I don’t think it’s going to be anything that’s going to happen overnight, but I think it has all the potential to be a really great place."

Hunt said even though a lot of her experience and background has to do with the country music industry, she plans to continue to provide a diverse lineup of shows for the facility. Music of all genres, family shows, circuses and other local events will be an integral part of the Arena schedule.

Corbin City Manager Bill Ed Cannon said Hunt was one of six applicants for the position. The city’s Personnel Board interviewed three of the candidates before making a recommendation to the Board of Commissioners.
Cannon said Hunt would be paid $95,000 annually.

"I’m elated Connie has decided to take this challenge. She’s been in the music industry her whole adult life," Cannon said. "I feel confident she can bring this arena back to where the city wanted to see it."

Originally, Hunt was consulting with the city on the hiring process and did not want the position. Cannon said she changed her mind when she saw the potential with the facility and started working closely with city leaders.

Hunt resigned from her position with Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in June and has taken some time off work since, traveling abroad.

Cannon said unlike the city’s arrangement with SMG, Hunt will report directly to city leaders and will be an employee of the city.

"It will be just like another department, like Public Works or the Fire Department," Cannon said.

City officials expect the move will have significant cost savings. Cannon said he estimates the city will save about $100,000 in salaries alone. Another $120,000 will be saved since the city will no longer be forced to pay a $10,000 a month management fee to SMG.

Corbin will still pay the fee through Dec. 9, however.

City leaders cited an inability to book events at the facility as a reason for the move to end their arrangement with SMG. They expressed disdain for the way SMG managed the facility, including unhappiness with the number of events scheduled and for lavish and unnecessary spending.

Hunt said she’s not fully aware of SMG’s relationship with the city or how the company managed The Arena, but said she is interested in restoring trust in people in leadership of the facility.

"Being officially in the position now will give me a chance to get in there and really dig into the events that have taken place and look at where people are coming from and what they are coming to see," Hunt said. "The more events that can be put in to The Arena the more it will help the entire community."

"I want to work with people here in Corbin. I want them to know I’m always just a phone call away."

In other business, the Commission:

¥ Presented Harold Adkins with a key to the city for 38 years of service on the Board of Adjustments. He was also honored for his volunteer work for the city.

¥ Approved a one year contract with NewWave Communications for phone service. The plan will save the city about $2,000 this year, Cannon said, and $1,000 for each additional year the city accepts the agreement.

¥ Approved a contract with Ticketmaster.

¥ Gave the new Arena Manger authority to sign contracts for events at the facility.

¥ Approved an ordinance renaming Dempsey Lane to South Park Drive.

¥ Held an executive session to discuss personnel, pending litigation and/or sale or purchase of real property. No action was taken.