State and town officials were set to meet at a Tourism Commission meeting to discuss the possibility of expanding a facility that raised $1.5 million in revenue in fiscal year 2004. In contrast, it paid out $4.3 million in operating expenses.

For the last two years, the town has considered moving forward with a formal request to study expansion. An economic impact study of the facility in 2003 showed another expansion to the center could generate more business. In the last expansion project, space was allotted to make further additions to the site's square footage.

While the town has not formally made a pitch to the state, the topic of expansion is often broached. This week alone, the issue of expanding the facility was raised at a meeting of resort business owners. Convention Center Director of Sales Fred Wise told members of the Governor's Economic Development Committee on Wednesday that the center was well booked for the winter, but could book more business with a larger facility.

Many business owners who cite growth of the convention industry, as well as the golfing industry, as keys to growing off-season business, welcome expansion of the convention center.