April 22, 2004 (San Diego) - The San Diego County Taxpayers Association awarded the San Diego Convention Center Corporation with its coveted Golden Watchdog Award for exemplifying efficient use of city government tax dollars. Recipients of the 9th Annual Golden Watchdog and Golden Fleece Awards were recognized at a special dinner at the Town and Country Resort on Wednesday, April 21, 2004. Mayor Murphy accepted the award on behalf of the city and the facility. "The San Diego Convention Center Corporation takes our role as custodians of taxpayer dollars very seriously. The City of San Diego makes an annual investment in the facility, and not only do we deliver an enormous return on investment, but we do so by operating in a highly efficient and effective manner", said Chris Frahm, chairman of the board of directors for the San Diego Convention Center Corporation. Since its inception in 1989, the convention center has become one of the region's strongest economic engines, generating $10 billion in economic impact, $227 million in tax dollars that reduce the burden on local taxpayers and supports 8,000 jobs countywide. In FY04 alone, the facility will produce an all-time historical high $1.2 billion in economic impact and $26.4 million in tax revenues at a time when our city needs it most. The annual awards are intended to inform taxpayers about how government is spending tax dollars. The San Diego Convention Center Corporation manages the San Diego Convention Center and the San Diego Concourse. The San Diego Convention Center is one of the region's strongest economic engines and is presently celebrating its 15-year anniversary. Since opening in 1989, the Convention Center has generated $10 billion in economic impact, $227 million in tax dollars that reduce the burden on local taxpayers, created region-wide jobs and serves as the community's premier gathering place. # # #
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