National Group to Open Cinergy Center When Construction Ends in 2006

National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives Relocate from New Orleans to Cincinnati

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. October 14, 2008

CINCINNATI, OH, October 26, 2005. A national group of top law enforcement officials will hold its annual conference in Cincinnati USA July 2006, becoming the first major event at the Cinergy Center following completion of the $160 million renovation and expansion.

NOBLE, the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives, will hold its annual conference in Cincinnati July 5-12, 2006. The organization was to have met in New Orleans in 2006 and was tentatively booked to meet in Cincinnati in 2008.

"In the wake of the disaster of Hurricane Katrina and its effects on New Orleans, Cincinnati is truly honored to be able to step in and host NOBLE's national conference in July 2006," said Mayor Charlie Luken. "Not only will NOBLE bring thousands of convention delegates to our city, but it brings a national forum by which to discuss new policies for the manner in which our nation responds to the men and women who are serving us here at home," Luken said.

The event is expected to bring 2,000 convention goers to Cincinnati representing 4,500 hotel room nights. At the meeting, NOBLE will dedicate the agenda to disaster planning and emergency response issues arising from Hurricane Katrina. The group will also discuss the roles that race, poverty and emergency preparedness play.

NOBLE National President Richard J. Pennington is the Chief of Police of Atlanta and the former police chief of New Orleans. "NOBLE is uniquely positioned to deal with these issues," Chief Pennington said. "NOBLE represents every governmental level of aid and assistance. Our members, many of whom lead local police departments across the nation, are on the front line among first responders. In addition, many of our members come from the areas most affected by Hurricane Katrina."

NOBLE Executive Director Jessie Lee stated, "NOBLE is committing its time and resources during the upcoming year to bring attention, answers and new solutions to disaster planning, especially as it affects the poor and disadvantaged. The conference in Cincinnati will have workshops and panel discussions to address these and other concerns."

Alicia Reece, Vice Mayor of the City of Cincinnati, noted, "NOBLE is a significant organization with an important national agenda, and we are truly honored they have selected Cincinnati as the host city for its annual conference. We look forward to officially opening the new Cinergy Center with this event."

John Taylor, Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Greater Cincinnati Convention and Visitors Bureau, said, "Being able to attract and accommodate a group like NOBLE delivers on the CVB's promise to bring new, larger, high profile groups to Cincinnati. Our expanded convention center positions us to be more competitive in bidding for major convention groups. Meetings like this become a citywide event, with the benefits trickling down to local hotels, restaurants, retailers and attractions."

Colonel Thomas H. Streicher, Jr., Police Chief for Cincinnati Police Department, was among a group of local leaders who traveled to Atlanta earlier this year to meet with the Board of Directors of NOBLE to encourage them to hold the meeting in Cincinnati. On NOBLE's decision, Chief Streicher said: "I look forward to hosting the National Organization of Black Law Enforcement Executives (NOBLE) in the new and expanded Cinergy Center from July 5-12, 2006. Each and every participant will be exposed to a vibrant city full of hospitality and support to ensure the most creative and enjoyable Cincinnati experience."