Lance Moore named new director of Lottie & Arthur Temple Center

Lance Moore

Lance Moore, born and raised in the Burke Community, has been named director of the Lottie and Arthur Temple Civic Center, taking over the reigns from Larry Bowman who retired in May.

Lance, the son of LaValle and the late Willie Moore, graduated from Lufkin High School and enrolled at Texas A&M wanting to pursue a career in architecture, but, with the innovation of computer programs that took the creativeness from the drawing board to the keyboard, he felt he could put his talents to use in other areas.

For the next few years, Lance gained experience in other fields and purchased Ken's Basebald and Cards in downtown Nacogdoches. It this capacity, he organized and participated in several conventions, and after selling the business, took a position as marketing director for a local eatery.

"I was happy and doing well and wasn't even looking a another job when I saw that Mr. Bowman had retired and the city of Diboll was looking for a director of the Civic Center," Moore said. "One thing led to another and here I am."

"We had about 20 people apply for the job as Civic Center director." said Diboll City Manager Kenneth Williams. "Lance's background in marketing and his experience in organizing conventions and articulating his vision for the civic center really worked in his favor. Lance also had experience in helping to organize festivals. Having Diboll roots and living in the Diboll area was certainly a consideration in hiring him also. Maintenance of the facility and keeping the proud heritage of the Civic Center is important. We hope to grow the position into helping to promote what Diboll has to offer for the Texas Forest Country region." said Williams.

Lance and his wife Elissa, along with their four-year-old and 13-month-old children, are making their home in Burke, remodeling a house adjacent to his mother and his old home place.

The Lottie and Arthur Temple Civic Center, which opened on Diboll Day 1988, has been the hub of activities from day one. The Civic Center is one of the most modern and best-equipped civic centers in East Texas and offers accommodations for weddings, business functions, sales shows, family reunions and other gatherings. The main auditorium features a 5,425 square foot carpeted floor and can seat up to 500 banquet guests or 700 for theater seating. It also has a state-of-the-art sound system, a 16x20 foot retractable video projection screen and a large kitchen equipped with all the conveniences of home.

"All but two Saturday's are booked for the remainder of the year," Lance said after answering the phone for the third time in less than 30 minutes. "Some events are booked a year in advance to insure the availability of the Center, and we have plenty of other dates for the remainder of the year available. We are also in the planning stages of community-oriented activities for the later months of the year to be sponsored by the city of Diboll and the Civic Center which will include many family-oriented events."

To find out more information about the Center or to plan for your next gathering, call Lance at (936) 829-4888.