NGO Funding Request


The recipient entity's full legal name:  State Fair of Louisiana

The recipient entity's physical address:
           3701 Hudson Street
Shreveport, LA 71109


The recipient entity's mailing address (if different):
           3701 Hudson Street
Shreveport, LA 71109


Type of Entity (for instance, a nonprofit corporation):  Non-Profit Corporation

If the entity is a corporation, list the names of the incorporators:
          David Means, III, James K. Elrod, Christopher Giordano

The last four digits of the entity's taxpayer ID number:  0719

What is the dollar amount of the request?  $3,780,000

What type of request is this?  Capital Outlay Appropriation

Is this entity in good standing with the Secretary of State?  Yes

Provide the name of each member of the recipient entity's governing board and officers:
           Chairman of the Board
Liz Swaine
P.O. Box 7542
Shreveport, LA 71137

1st Vice Chairman
Henry Burns
134 Chimney Lane
Haughton, LA 71037

2nd Vice Chairman
Andrew Shehee
P.O. Box 88
Shreveport, LA 71161

Immediate Past Chairman
Tari Bradford
3634 Crestview Dr.
Shreveport, LA 71119

Secretary
David Means, III
5030 Highway 5
Gloster, LA 71030

Treasurer
James K. Elrod
619 Lake Forbing Drive
Shreveport, LA 71106

President & General Manager
Chris Giordano
3701 Hudson Avenue
Shreveport, LA 71109

Doyle Adams
Elizabeth Baptist Church
301 Old Bellevue Rd.
Benton, LA 71006

Thomas Carmody
Louisiana State Exhibit Museum
3015 Greenwood Rd.
Shreveport, LA 71109

Bobby Edmiston
P.O. Box 325
Benton, LA 71006

Billy Montgomery
5705 E. Texas St. #61
Bossier City, LA 71111

John Michael Moore
2405 Benton Rd.
Bossier City, LA 71111

Maria Vargas Sermons
321 Ellerbe Ridge
Shreveport, LA 71106

Don Updegraff
1054 Capilano Dr.
Shreveport, LA 71106


Provide a summary of the project or program:
           Hirsch Memorial Coliseum is located on the Louisiana State Fairgrounds in Shreveport, LA. Construction was completed in 1954 and it has been operated by the State Fair of Louisiana since that time. It is an iconic structure in the local landscape, seen by thousands of motorists each day on Interstate 20, and especially recognized by its domed roof. The project is to upgrade the HVAC system, improve ancillary spaces, entrances and lighting to Hirsch Memorial Coliseum. This project also includes funding to replace the deteriorated fence along Interstate 20 and improve parking lot lighting. Hirsch Memorial Coliseum is currently being leased to Encompass Sports Management, LLC who owns the Shreveport Mudbugs ice hockey team and they have invested approximately $3,000,000 in private funds into Hirsch Memorial Coliseum.

What is the budget relative to the project for which funding is requested?:
          Salaries. . . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Professional Services. . . $350,000
          Contracts . . . . . . . . . . . $0
          Acquisitions . . . . . . . . . $0
          Major Repairs . . . . . . . $3,500,000
          Operating Services. . . . $0
          Other Charges. . . . . . . $3,500,000

Does your organization have any outstanding audit issues or findings?  No

If 'Yes' is your organization working with the appropriate governmental agencies to resolve those issues or findings?
          Yes

What is the entity's public purpose, sought to be achieved through the use of state monies?
          The State Fair of Louisiana (State Fair) was founded in 1906 by a group of Shreveport's leading citizens. The State Fair was founded to provide an institution to assist in developing the agricultural and industrial resources of the area and for the betterment of the citizens.

The State Fair is located in Shreveport, LA and is the official State Fair for the State of Louisiana. It is a private, non-profit organization comprised of membership representing a broad cross section of Louisiana citizens with interest in the goals and objectives of the State Fair. The State Fair is governed by a Board of Directors elected from its membership, and is managed by the President and General Manager and staff.

The State Fair is situated on approximately 157 acres and is located immediately North of Interstate 20 between Jewella Avenue and Hearne Avenue exits.

Although the actual annual State Fair is the State Fair of Louisiana's largest event and fundraiser, the Fair is but one of the many activities on the Fairgrounds. The Fairgrounds facilities, including Hirsch Memorial Coliseum, are used regularly for a multitude of "off-season" functions, such as ice hockey games, musical concerts, sporting events, livestock shows, rodeos and has served as an evacuation shelter for hurricanes.


What are the goals and objectives for achieving such purpose?
          To continue to restore Hirsch Memorial Coliseum along with the private money that has recently been invested into the building so that it can be used as a regional multi-purpose facility and serve the citizens of Louisiana.

The improvements will allow this historic building to remain a viable regional venue for entertainment, sports, trade, public assembly and possibly serve as a shelter.


What is the proposed length of time estimated by the entity to accomplish the purpose?
           6 months of planning, 12 months of construction

If any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official is an officer, director, trustee, or employee of the recipient entity who receives compensation or holds any ownership interest therein:
     (a) If an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of the official and the office held by such person:
                 Bobby Edmiston
Bossier Parish Tax Assessor
P.O. Box 325
Benton, LA 71006

    
     (b) If an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official, the name and address of such person; the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related; and the nature of the relationship:
                

     (c) The percentage of the official's or immediate family member's ownership interest in the recipient entity, if any:
                

     (d) The position, if any, held by the official or immediate family member in the recipient entity:
                 

If the recipient entity has a contract with any elected or appointed state official or an immediate family member of such an official or with the state or any political subdivision of the state:
(a) If the contract is with an elected or appointed state official, provide the name and address of the official and the office held by such person: 
               

(b) If the contract is with an immediate family member of an elected or appointed state official:
          Provide the name and address of such person:
              

          Provide the name, address, and office of the official to whom the person is related:
               

          What is the nature of the relationship? 

(c) If the contract is with the state or a political subdivision of the state, provide the name and address of the state entity or political subdivision of the state:
                

(d) The nature of the contract, including a description of the goods or services provided or to be provided pursuant to the contract:
               


Contact Information
name:  Christopher C. Giordano 
                                       address:  3701 Hudson Street
Shreveport, LA 71109

                                       phone:  3186351361
                                       fax:  3186314909
                                       e-mail:  chris@statefairoflouisiana.com
                                       relationship to entity:  President & General Manager