Business View Magazine - Dec 2023

roof deck and riverside terrace further enhance the community ambiance, providing a picturesque backdrop for events from spring to fall. A true gem, the uniqueness of the Spokane Convention Center lies in their mission, which is to enhance the quality of life in the community. CEO Stephanie Curran elaborates, “We do that by creating jobs, and by placemaking. We create spaces for people to gather, we generate money into the economy. We support the small businesses and restaurants, and the larger businesses like the hotels. That’s really why we exist and what our mission is every day.” A BRIEF HISTORY Established in 1989, the Spokane Public Facilities District, which runs the Spokane Convention Center, was born out of a visionary move by the Washington State Legislature. Recognizing the growing demands on city budgets, they created public facilities districts, which Curran describes as “a taxing authority, similar to a small city, that would focus on venues.” Spokane was the pioneer, creating a model known as the Spokane Public Facilities District, that would later be emulated across the state. Evolving from an old coliseum and the need for a new arena, the district now oversees five facilities: Spokane Convention Center, Spokane Veterans Memorial Arena, First Interstate Center for the Arts, The Podium, powered by STCU and the ONE Spokane Stadium. “We’re very unique in the fact that we pretty much have one of every type of venue,” she portrays. “In most cities, one organization would potentially run the convention center, and another organization would run the arena, but I don’t think there are any other cities actually, that have one of everything.” ADAPTING TO CHALLENGES Not immune from the challenges brought by COVID, Spokane Convention Center was fortunate to be able to keep staff employed and turn adversity into opportunity. Remaining operational even during the shutdowns, allowed the center to be prepared for the post-COVID resurgence, which they are still experiencing today. “We were in a position financially, where I didn’t have to lay everybody off. 287 BUSINESS VIEW MAGAZINE VOLUME 10, ISSUE 12 SPOKANE CONVENT ION CENTER