Ribbon cutting for Davis Conference Center today

LAYTON — Now that construction is complete at the Davis Conference Center, officials are ready to show it off with a ribbon cutting ceremony and outdoor recreation expo, both of which will be held today.

Construction on the 42,000 square-foot expansion, which includes a 25,000 square-foot exhibit hall, took about one year and brings the footprint of the entire center to 85,000 square feet.

Davis County Commissioners opted to build the $12 million building after a feasibility study indicated that the county was missing out on significant conventions and the accompanying tax dollars that show up when people from out of town book Davis County hotel rooms and eat in Davis County restaurants.

The first phase of the conference center was estimated to be have a $16 million in economic impact in Davis County. The expansion is expected to double that impact.

The venue will be able to host concerts, banquets, specialty car shows, dances and more, according to a news release.

Today's ribbon cutting begins at 3 p.m. and will include remarks by Davis County officials, U.S. Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, and a dedicatory prayer by Bishop Keith B. McMullin, a member of the Presiding Bishopric of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints.

Following the ceremony, the Northern Utah Recreation Expo opens to the public at 4 p.m. The expo continues Saturday from 10 a.m to 6 p.m.

More than 40 vendors will be on hand to showcase recreational vehicles, vacation destinations and rock climbing walls.

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E-mail: jdougherty@desnews.com