HIGH POINT, N.C.

The High Point Partners, a group of business and tourism leaders in High Point, North Carolina  is looking into commissioning a feasibility study on the creation of a convention center. The study would entail research into the question of whether a convention center could add economic impact by supporting jobs and bringing in consumer traffic that would generate more hotel and restaurant patronage.

Local tourism officials are concerned about the possible loss of some of the space used for conventions at Showplace, which has been the primary venue for statewide and southeastern U.S. events that come to High Point. The owner of the showroom complex, International Market Centers, recently announced plans to convert some of the building's space used for exhibitions into locations for full-time home furnishings tenants.

"That is a critical issue as it relates to attracting events to our community," said Councilwoman Bernita Sims. "Some space has gone away and others probably will, so that impacts the ability of CVB to attract some events. We just cannot house certain events. Even some that are currently on the books are in jeopardy."

City leaders said their preference would be for a convention center to be built and run by a private organization.