The Clark County Public Facilities District (PFD) was created by ordinance 2002-07-21 on July 30, 2002. The PFD was formed for the purpose of participating in the study, planning, and development of two regional centers in Clark County, the Vancouver Convention Center and the Exhibition Hall at the Fairgrounds. Both of those projects were deemed critical to boosting tourism and economic development within the county, and both entailed very complex interlocal and other contractual agreements.
The PFD is comprised of a five-member board and chaired by Mr. Paul Winters. The other board members are Ms. Debbie Abraham (Vice-Chair), Mr. Gerald Kolke, Mr. Phillip Parker, and Mr. Brett Wilkerson. The PFD holds regular meetings on the first Monday of every quarter (February, May, August, November). The PFD is staffed by Kelly Sills from the Board of Clark County Commissioners office, and Bronson Potter from the Prosecuting Attorney’s Office provides legal counsel.
The Exhibition Hall began operations in March 2005. The tremendous flexibility of this facility gives show and event planners 97,200 column-free square feet of exhibit space (almost two football fields!). Two air walls allow five other configurations, and boasts features like complimentary wireless internet and easy access right off of I-5.
The Convention Center opened in June 2005. It is collocated with a Hilton Hotel and is already generating significant impacts on tourism and economic development in Clark County. It features 30,000 square feet of conferencing space. The Grand Ballroom has capacity to accommodate 933 people for banquests (1,167 for receptions) while the Junior Ballroom holds 469 people for banquets.
Please contact Kelly Sills if you have any questions about the PFD by calling (360) 397-2232 or e-mail kelly.sills@clark.wa.gov. Written comments may be submitted to Clark County Public Facilities District, P.O. Box 5000, 98666-5000.
