Wichita Falls revenue helps keep your taxes in check, and part of that is through conventions and visitors.  The Convention Visitors Bureau Director plays a major role in attracting events, but the job was just recently filled. Her name is Pene Bridges and although she doesn't officially start until next Tuesday, her hiring is a relief to many city leaders. It not only frees up the MPEC's Director who's been helping out, but many say while this position was un-filled the slack was hurting the city.

 Responsibilities for the CVB Director include booking conventions and conferences.

"These are people that come in and spend money and stay in hotels eat at restaurants it really increases our exposure." said MPEC Director Bob Sullivan.

"They tell us those dollars turn over 3 or 4 times. So $100, 000 turns over to $4, 000 for City of Wichita Falls." said Wichita Falls City Councilor Glenn Barham.

Barham also said more conventions puts more "heads in beds" as the hotel industry likes to say.  Plus more "heads in beds" generate hotel motel tax revenue for city.  The job has been open for about 6 months, increasing pressure to hire someone since events are usually booked years in advance. And with no one in place, many say its impacted the local economy.

 "It's my understanding under 2009 calendar is lacking in events. " said Barham.

"There's a lot of things pending waiting for the position to be filled, that we are going to get to now that she is here." said Sullivan.

Pene Bridges has more than 10 years experience as the Tyler Convention Vice President and has even lived in Wichita Falls in the past. This experience and connection to the city has many seeing her as an advantage. She says she is looking forward to working in Wichita Falls and building on the city's impressive reputation.

Barham says he is excited to meet her and happy the job is filled. He adds anything the city can do to generate revenue, benefits the citizens.