From the moment campaigning began to the victory celebration convention center proponents said the issue was about one point...the future of Jackson.

It will be adjacent to the new Telecommunications Center and a short distance from the Planetarium. City officials hope construction begins by fall of 2008. Mayor Harvey Johnson will choose most of the 9 member Convention Center Committee. Governor Barbour will choose an at-large member.

Charles Johnson, President of the consulting firm hired by the city for this project says once the election is certified, the city must reaffirm the funding numbers on the $61 million  project, select an architect, construction company, and hire a management company.

A convention center hotel could also be in the future. Capital City Convention Center Campaign Manager Derrick Johnson says they funding will come from private investors. Numbers show convention centers with an official hotel are more successful.

Experts promise a major economic impact and nearly 700 new jobs that will come in the 4 months leading to it's opening. The rewards may be far away, but proponents say they'll come.