Music City Center Wins Final Approval
Nashville received the go ahead to build the 1.2 million-square-foot Music City Center last night from the Metro Council, which voted 29 to 9 to finance construction of the new downtown convention center. Construction is set to begin in the coming weeks and the center is slated to open in early 2013.

The 10-year effort to build a new center was truly an industry-wide effort and I want to thank the entire hospitality community, especially those of you who attended rallies, community meetings and Metro Council hearings, and who wrote letters and emails in support of the new center. I am proud to have been a part of this process with you.

Now, let’s go sell Nashville!

Nashville to Host 2nd Annual Music City Soul Series
In celebration of Black History Month, some of Nashville’s best R&B and jazz musicians will take the stage at B.B. King's Blues Club and Restaurant every Thursday night in February. The concert series, produced by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau, is open to the public. General admission seating is $10 in advance and $15 the day of the show. Reserved table seating is also available for $25 per seat or $100 per table. Tickets are available by calling B.B. King's at 615-256-2727. Proceeds will benefit Music City, Inc.

The Music City Soul Series schedule:

• Thursday, Feb. 4 at 7 p.m.- Damien Horne
• Thursday, Feb. 11 at 7 p.m.- Paula James Chavis
• Thursday, Feb. 18 at 7 p.m.- Shannon Sanders and Friends
• Thursday, Feb. 25 at 7 p.m.- Scat Springs with Michael Fair and special guest Kandace Springs

Winter Rocks Promotion in Full Swing
The Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau has created Winter Rocks, a winter travel promotion offering visitors the opportunity to see more of Music City for less. The promotion, which runs through February 28, features special hotel rates and deep discounts and 2-for-1 offers at more than 25 attractions, restaurants and clubs.

Visitors can take advantage of this incredible package by picking up a Winter Rocks coupon book at our Visitor Information Centers, or they can book a Winter Rocks vacation package which includes hotel accommodations at a Nashville area hotel, the Winter Rocks coupon book and a Music City embroidered knit cap. Thank you to our participating partners. For a full list, visit www.visitmusiccity.com/visitors/winterrocks.

We Need Your Help - Order Your Music City License Plate Today
Express your love for music and the city it calls home with a new Music City specialty license plate designed by the Nashville Convention & Visitors Bureau (NCVB) to benefit the organization’s Music City, Inc. foundation. Applications for the plate, which will feature the city’s signature branded red music note, are currently being accepted. We must sell 1,000 plates by June and we have a long way to go!

There is a $36 registration deposit required for each vehicle you wish to tag using a Music City-branded plate. Tennessee residents wishing to purchase a new Music City plate can fill out a form online at www.visitmusiccity.com/licenseplate or print the form and mail it with their $36 check to the address at the bottom of that form. Forms are also available at Regions Bank branches throughout the city. Please order yours today!

Industry Indicators
November’s hotel occupancy rate was 56.7 percent, a decrease of 6.4 percent compared to November 2008.

The 2009 year-to-date occupancy rate is 57.6 percent as of November, a decrease of 8.7 percent compared to last year.

October hotel tax collections were $1,826,391, a decrease of 10.2 percent compared to October 2008.

The 2009 year-to-date collections are $20,258,501 as of October, a decrease of 14.8 percent compared to last year.

Brand Champion - Hard Rock Cafe
Nashville’s roster of live music venues received a boost with the re-opening of Hard Rock Cafe Nashville. Sure to contend as one of the city's premier dining and entertainment destinations, the newly renovated Broadway location is comprised of a 378-seat restaurant, a state-of-the-art live concert venue, open-air terrace and seating area and a Rock Shop. The cafe was remodeled to preserve the legacy of the existing location while promoting the Music City brand. Congratulations to Hard Rock Cafe Nashville – our January Brand Champion!

Upcoming Events
New Member Orientation
February 2
11:15-11:45am Lunch
11:50am-12:50pm Orientation
NCVB Boardroom
Learn how you can make the most of your NCVB membership at the New Member Orientation. Lunch will be provided by Demos' Steak and Spaghetti House.

Conventions & Meetings Calendar