Continuing coverage
The Dayton Daily News has provided in-depth coverage of the Huber Heights music center story since we broke the news in December 2012 of the city's proposal. We will continue to follow this story closely and bring you the latest updates as they develop.
The city of Huber Heights is closing in on securing a sponsorship for the music center’s VIP area with a local business owner.
Mike Seibert, president of Circuits & Cables in Vandalia, has expressed an interest in sponsoring the VIP area, and the two sides are expected to meet again this week, he said.
Seibert declined to reveal the proposed terms and length of the agreement because it has not been finalized. The city has said the VIP area could generate $30,000 to $50,000 a year in sponsorship money.
“It’s early, but we’ve got a handshake agreement,” Seibert said.
Construction of the $18 million, 4,500-seat covered music center at 6800 Executive Boulevard is expected to be completed by late summer.
Seibert, a Huber Heights resident since 1976, said he and his wife, Cindy, took a tour of the site two weeks ago and they were immediately interested in investing in the venue.
“We’re just looking forward to giving back a little more to the community,” Seibert said.
Huber Heights City Manager Rob Schommer said an agreement could be finalized soon. The exact name of the VIP area has not been determined.
“We want to properly formulate a good agreement that matches his ability to financially commit,” Schommer said. “He’s ready to go.”
Seibert started Circuits & Cables in 1987 and currently employs 90 people full-time. The company, located at 815 S. Brown School Road, is a contract manufacturer that builds cable assemblies and circuit boards.
Seibert, who regularly attends events at the Fraze Pavilion in Kettering, said the Huber Heights venue will attract residents from the northern portion of the Miami Valley.
“It’s nice to have one in our backyard,” Seibert said. “It’s something we deserve. The Fraze is still going to pull in lots of sold-out shows because of the groups down south.”
The VIP area will feature a private concessions area, private restrooms, dining tent, landscaping, and a separate entrance and parking area.
The first reading of two pieces of legislation affecting the VIP area — $400,000 for the area and another $99,000 for upgrades — was scheduled to take place Monday night.
The VIP area was part of the scope of work originally approved last year by the Huber Heights planning commission and Montgomery County. The majority of the VIP area already is constructed.
Councilman Mark Campbell said the VIP area sponsorship needs to exceed the annual debt service expense.
“It does validate that what we’re doing is working, but at the end of the day, it’s got to make sense,” Campbell said.
The Administration Committee will meet July 22 for a presentation on how $1.25 million spent on the VIP area and concession stand upgrades will pay for themselves in increased revenue and sponsorship opportunities.
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