May 21, 2012
(WVLT)-- The Knoxville Tourism and Sports Corporation will hold a special board meeting Friday to discuss its future.
President and CEO Gloria Ray's job is in question after her $400,000 salary left many surprised.
Gloria Ray helped start the KTSC in 2002 and the corporation has had a great impact on the local economy. The KTSC has a team that recruits companies and draws them to Knoxville to host their conventions.
When a group of 300 plus people come to Knoxville for a 3 day stay, they eat, shop and pump hundreds of thousands of dollars into local businesses.
Jeffrey DeAlejandro, part owner of the Crown and Goose Gastro Pub in the Old City said, "We see a direct impact with those bigger conventions, two to three days, and it's always been positive things for us."
DeAlejandro estimates that 2-5% of the Crown and Goose's business can be attributed to conventions.
Many Knoxvillians can't believe Ray's salary. DeAlejandro said for the amount she was being paid, he thinks the convention center should be packed all year long.
Local 8 News will be at the meeting and have the latest developments coming up later today.
