The Hattiesburg Convention Commission was created as an economic development agency in 1991 to construct and operate a convention center and other tourism-related facilities for the purpose of growing the value of tourism to Hattiesburg’s economy. Since that time, the Commission has been a powerful contributor to this effort by developing, marketing and operating numerous tourist facilities, including the Lake Terrace Convention Center, the historic Saenger Theater in Downtown Hattiesburg, the African American Military History Museum at the historic USO Club, the historic Eureka School Museum, and the Hattiesburg Zoo. The Commission continues as a leader in Hattiesburg’s vibrant visitor industry, which contributes over $233 million annually to the local economy