In September the council approved a resolution creating the endowment fund and ad-hoc committee. They will assist in expediting and bringing in entertainment acts to the city’s performance art venues, including WesBanco Arena and the Capitol Theatre. 

“These are folks who have expressed interest to me or to the city in one way or another since the announcement was made about this fund. They are folks who are connected to music, comedy and other forms of entertainment, and they all have some ideas of how we can do a better job of getting some bigger and better shows here,” said Elliot.

Those nominated to the entertainment ad-hoc committee included Dean Connors, Jermaine Lucious, Jon Banco, Crin Joy, Robert Felton, Shawn Fluharty and Lauren Baker. In addition, there will be three other designees on the panel, one each from Wheeling City Council, Wheeling Convention and Visitors Bureau, and the Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority.

Ty Thorngate was named the designee for the council. The other two desiness are expected to be named soon.

Council voted unanimously approved the nominations and the ordinance to transfer money to the entertainment endowment fund.

The Greater Wheeling Sports and Entertainment Authority met in August. During that meeting a financial report was delivered that showed revenues and operating expenses for WesBanco Arena and Capitol Theatre. The Capitol had a revenue of $47,311 and operating expenses of $32,331. WesBanco Arena suffered an operating loss, with total revenue of $18,387 but with operating costs topping $61,800.