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On September 15, 1999, the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority is established under the Municipal Authority Act of 1945 and the Third-Class County Convention Center Authority Act. The Convention Center Authority is run by a seven-member volunteer board, which is appointed by city and county officials. Current board members include: Chairman Ted Darcus; Joseph Morales of Lancaster-Lebanon IU13; Willie J. Borden, Jr., of PPL; David Schwanger of Schwanger Brothers Inc.; Laura Douglas of MAX International Converters, Inc.; Debra Hall of Ephrata Area Chamber of Commerce; and R.B. Campbell, Jr., of Business Marketing Works, Inc. The board's plan of action is implemented by Convention Center Authority Executive Director David Hixson. The board is charged by local officials with developing a unique and inviting convention venue for this area and to work with a private-sector partner to develop a first-class lodging facility to enable the convention center to achieve its goals. In addition, the Convention Center Authority is encouraged to work with local experts to preserve any significant historical buildings that may be located at the site. In 2001, the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority and Penn Square Partners formalize their relationship for the purpose of developing, designing, building, and operating a convention center and hotel. The partnership agreements between Penn Square Partners and the Lancaster County Convention Center Authority establish performance covenants and carefully protect the interests of the community.