It took a long time to secure the funding for the Athletic Training and Conference Centre but once the shovels were finally in the ground, construction has been proceeding quickly.

?We?re almost there,? said Conference Centre Manager Tim Greiner, who just began in his position on September 7. ?Right now we?re looking for a timely delivery of furnishings ? all the final touches, carpet and paint.?

All kinds of details including licenses for food service and liquor, as well as delivery of dishes, tables and chairs will all be checked off the list in the next few weeks.

?The first function is booked in November but we are hoping to have a few trial runs in late October,? Greiner said.

A grand opening that will involve the community is planned but no date has been set.

Greiner, who has some experience managing convention centres from his time as manager of the Best Western in Fernie, will be the sole employee of the conference centre.

As such he will be responsible for marketing as well as making sure events run smoothly.

Greiner believes there is great potential to market Kimberley?s newest facility.

?The thing that?s so attractive is that we are kind of a one-stop host. Not a lot of transport is needed one you are dropped off. You can walk downtown and then there?s the ski in ski out, which is very attractive.?

Greiner says most conventions have employee incentives and like to have some kind of recreation they can offer.

Greiner and his wife first came to the Kootenays from the Lower Mainland in 2007.

?We came for the same reasons as a lot of people, in search of lifestyle. We started in Fernie but then we came to Kimberley in 2008 for a visit and just fell in love with it.?

They purchased a house in Kimberley and he worked out of a home office but eventually his job with the Best Western required him to move back to Fernie, but he says he wanted to come back to Kimberley, so was pleased when the conference centre job came up.

?It?s a good opportunity for my career, and I just love Kimberley.?