Corbin Arena Manager resigns

Arena Manager Connie Hunt is resigning her position effective Friday.

Though Hunt was not in attendance at the special called city commission meeting last Friday, a letter announcing her resignation effective July 1 was presented to the commissioners and read into the record.

“I sincerely appreciate the opportunity given to me by the City of Corbin to serve as General Manager of the Arena,” Hunt wrote in the two-paragraph letter dated June 22.

“I wish nothing but the best and much success for the City of Corbin and the Corbin Arena,” Hunt added in the letter.

Commissioner Suzie Razmus made the motion to accept Hunt’s resignation and Joe Shelton seconded it. The commission voted 5-0 to accept the resignation.

Mayor Willard McBurney offered his thanks to Hunt for her efforts during the transition when the commission voted to discontinue its relationship with SMG Worldwide Event and Venue Management in 2010.

Hunt was hired in November 2010 at an annual salary of $95,000. Her current salary is $96,000.

Prior to accepting the position as Arena manager, Hunt served as CEO and Talent Buyer for Renfro Valley Entertainment Center in Mt. Vernon.

“I appreciate that when we were going through the transition period out there at The Arena, it was kind of a difficult situation and Connie came in with her expertise and her knowledge of how to do that,” McBurney said following the vote. “I’d like to say ‘thank you’ to her. I appreciate it.”

“I second that,” said Commissioner Joe Shelton.

Razmus also offered her thanks to Hunt, but added it was time for the city to take a new approach with The Arena.

“While I appreciate Ms. Hunt’s efforts at the Arena, I’m looking forward to a fresh perspective on how the Arena can benefit the city,” Razmus said. “So far, it’s mostly been the other way around. The Arena, while never expected to turn a profit, should at least find a way to break even. That was the goal, backed up by the original feasibility study.  I still believe break-even is achievable.”

Commissioner Freddie “Bruce” Hodge declined to comment.

Commissioner Ed Tye referred questions to Hunt.

Hunt did not return calls seeking comment.

McBurney said the position will be filled within the sometime around the beginning of September.

The position will be advertised and the city’s personnel board will review the applications and elect which, if any, of them to interview. The personnel board will then make recommendations to the commission, which has the final decision.

The next event at The Arena will be “Celebrate America,” a music and food event leading up to the city’s annual fireworks show on July 3.

On July 15, Colt Ford will headline a concert with Craig Wayne Boyd and Tara Thompson.