As the new executive director for the James H. Rainwater Conference Center, Tim Riddle didn’t waste time getting down to business during Wednesday morning’s Valdosta-Lowndes County Tourism Authority meeting.

As the new executive director for the James H. Rainwater Conference Center, Tim Riddle didn’t waste time getting down to business during Wednesday morning’s Valdosta-Lowndes County Tourism Authority board meeting.

“To me, it’s like you’re off and running,” said board member Andy Anderson.

Riddle came into the conference center with an open mind and an ambition to turn around the struggling venue. Having not been in the position for long, Riddle already has a list of things that need changed or improved.

“In the sales area is where we’re at our weakest,” said Riddle.

Riddle analyzed how the center’s sales have been traditionally handled. While the sales people are doing good on incoming events and are involved with nearly every step of the process after the sale, Riddle explained that their extended involvement is not typically what most sales people do.

Riddle also feels the sales area needs experienced leadership.

“Hire a new sales

director whose job is to sell,” said Riddle. “That’s the goal, find someone who’s a seasoned sales person.”

While there are many people who have sales experience in areas such as a department store, Riddle wants someone who has been previously involved in the conference center industry.

“I want someone that knows the lingo,” said Riddle.

He wants to expand the sales focus. “No one’s really selling outside this facility very much,” said Riddle.

He also wants to look for a new event director, but he doesn’t want to rush filling these positions. He wants to add people who are going to be true assets to the facility.

“I would rather have a little short-term pain for long-term gain,” said Riddle.

Riddle also addressed the conference center’s website.

“Our website needs a little work,” said Riddle. “You have to click five or six times to find information.”

Aside from being difficult to navigate, Riddle explained to the board that pertinent information is left off the website. From a sales standpoint, Riddle feels the center could be losing business just by not making information accessible and convenient.

“We’ll probably be making some changes in that area on the marketing front,” said Riddle.

In terms of sales, Riddle feels more order needs to be implemented. The conference center doesn’t currently have a list of sales policies to guide the sales staff in terms of how far out an event can be booked, whether an event is a conference or a party, etc.

“I don’t think there’s a tiered policy here and soon there will be,” said Riddle.

Riddle stated that while local business is very important to him and the conference center, he feels some sales organization needs to be in place to seek business from elsewhere. This is pertinent in maximizing the economic outlook for the center.

Aside from internal issues, Riddle made a list of the building’s cosmetic appearance that need attention.

“We have some issues,” said Riddle. “We need to be thinking proactively with how we’re going to pay for these updates.” Considering the center sells space and time, it is important that the space be in tip-top shape.

“We need to do a good job of taking care of this 45,000 square feet that we have,” said Riddle.

After only nine days on the job, Riddle attended a conference in Florida. He exchanged ideas with other convention-center directors and received good feedback concerning handling some of the center’s issues. For example, a conference center of similar size in Iowa booked a comedian to aid with the cash flow during “dark days.”

“That may be a good way to fill some space,” said Riddle.

Anderson was pleased with this suggestion. “We need to have that kind of thing in Valdosta,” said Anderson.