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The city of Huber Heights is on the verge of finalizing a five-year extension with Kroger that will pay more to the city for the exclusive naming rights to the aquatic center on Brandt Pike.
The original three-year deal expires in February 2015, and city attorney Alan Schaeffer said the two sides are close to completing a new five-year agreement. He declined to say how much Kroger will pay the city for the naming rights.
Kroger paid the city $30,000 a year for the first three years the facility has been open. The facility’s name, The Kroger Aquatic Center at The Heights, will remain the same.
“It’s one heck of an arrangement for the city,” Schaeffer said. “It’s a great partnership with Kroger, and it’s great for the citizens in Huber Heights. The naming of the aquatic center benefits them, and their participation in the aquatic center helps sustain it for the city.”
Jennifer Lien, a customer communications specialist for the Cincinnati/Dayton Division of Kroger, declined to comment on the contract since it has not been finalized. The partnership is believed to be the company’s only public-private arrangement, she said.
“It’s pretty unique,” Lien said. “It’s a great partnership. It’s a good, family fun venue. We’re really happy with it.”
Combined over the first three years, the city generated a net profit of $74,416 from the aquatic center, which is located at 8625 Brandt Pike.
But the cool summer weather the last two years has led to a decrease in attendance and revenue. During the 2014 season, an aquatic center-low 28,351 people visited the facility, while the city suffered a net loss of $63,719.
Kroger will continue to be required to spend $20,000 a year in advertising in the new agreement, Schaeffer said.
In the original contract, Kroger and the city had a mutual renewal rights option for another three years when the contract expired.
There is one Kroger store in Huber Heights at 7747 Troy Pike. In the Dayton area, there are 32 Kroger stores, with a total of 5,516 employees, according to the company.
Kroger also offers $1 off admission coupons to its customers at all locations, Lien said.
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