Conference Center Revenue Up, Still Losing Money

Bookings and revenue for the Aliso Viejo Conference Center are up, but the facility is still losing money, according to a report presented to the city council Wednesday night.

From fiscal year 2009-10 to fiscal year 2010-11, the city's conference center saw a 47.3 percent increase in bookings and 146.3 percent increase in revenue, according to an update from the Kempersports, the company that manages the center.

In the 2009-10 fiscal year, the center had 91 bookings. In the 2010-11 fiscal they had 134 bookings.

For 2010-11 revenue rose 146.3 percent over the 2009-10 fiscal year, an increase of $273,972. In 2009-10, revenue was $187,255, and in 2010-11 it was $461,277.

Kempersports has been managing the center at 31 Barbara Drive for the city since July 5, 2010.

“It sounds like we all made a good decision to go into business together,” said Mayor Carmen Cave to the representative from Kempersports.

Kelli Addington, the center's general manager, said the poor economy has been a challenge for the center. However they have seen “significant growth” in business, so she is “not really too concerned.”

She adds that the center is considering holding a number of different events for 2012 including a mini “Taste of Aliso Viejo,” a cooking competition and Oktoberfest.

Councilmember Phillip Tsunoda said he was encouraged by the latest figures.

“I think that as we move forward with better exposure of the facility, I think the trend is only going to continue to improve,” Tsunoda said.

Though the revenue and bookings have increased, the center has been losing money.

In fiscal year 2010–11 the conference center's revenue was $461,227 and expenses were $693,062, a $231,835 net loss.

In fiscal year 2009-10, the center posted a revenue of $187,255, with expenses of $422,164, a $234,909 net loss.

Councilmember Greg Ficke said, “Good job, keep it up, lets get it in the black.”

Other business

• During their Wednesday meeting, city officials approved a conditional use permit for Pet Suites, a pet and dog boarding business, that would allow the 14,800 square foot business to convert 1,700 feet of its animal housing space into an animal medical care unit.
  
  City staff recommended approval of the item, and the council voted unanimously in favor.
  
  “We've had a great experience here in Aliso Viejo,” said Christie Ferris, General Manager of the local Pet Suites, after the vote. “We have fabulous clients and fabulous neighbors.”
  
  According to the city staff report, Orange County gave Pet Suites a certificate of occupancy March 22, 2000, allowing the business to open.

• Mayor Carmen Cave recognized the 11 and 12 year olds of the Aliso Viejo Little League All Stars for winning the District 55 Championship this summer at Hick's Canyon in Irvine.
  
  This was the third year in a row the team took the title.
  
  Managed by John Amy and coached by Mike Erwin, Paul Buratti and Brian Jump, the team includes Will Amy, PJ Buratti, George Erwin, Evan Giovennella, Garrett Hoang, Andrew Hodges, Sean Horn, Hunter Jump, Royce Lewis, Matthew Mazzagatte, Derek Park, and Colin Rowe.

• Construction began last week on the shade structures at Aliso Viejo community park, according to City Manager Mark Pulone.

• Mayor Cave invited everyone to the State of the City address Oct. 26 at 6 p.m. at Soka University.

• The next city council meeting is 7 p.m. Nov. 2 in City Hall at 12 Journey.