Beane Conference Center in Laconia is new business venture for father & son

LACONIA - Russell and Craig Beane, a father and son who are two of the owners of the Wilkinson-Beane-Simoneau-Paquette Funeral Home, had long-term plans to develop a conference center in the city. In fact, they had already purchased a property on New Salem Street with the intention of renting the space until they were ready to renovate. However, opportunity has a way of changing timelines, and when the Jehovah Witness church advertised for sale of their Kingdom Hall building on Blueberry Lane, the Beanes realized that their conference center was sitting right in front of them, waiting only for them to sign on the dotted line.

And so, the Beane Conference Center was born sooner, rather than later.

"I was just driving by, saw a sign on the building, a few days later we were checking it out," said Craig. The Beanes closed on the real estate purchase on July 21st and walked into a building that was nearly exactly the combination of amenities they one day hoped to create at their New Salem Street property, currently rented by, among others, the Salvation Army's thrift store.

Craig noted that the conference center is administered as a limited liability corporation independent of the funeral home. It was through their work as funeral directors, however, that the Beanes realized a local need for a space for medium-sized groups to gather. Often, when assisting families plan a funeral, the clients ask about opportunities for a luncheon, dinner or gathering following the services. Craig could only suggest a city park house, which has limited availability, or local restaurants, which might not offer the amenities or privacy that the family would appreciate.

The building at 35 Blueberry Lane was built in the early 1970s to be a Kingdom Hall for the local organization of Jehovah Witness. The building was then renovated and expanded in 1986. With about 4,700-square-feet, all located on an accessible, single floor, plenty of parking and in well-kept condition, Craig said they saw their future plans materialized in front of them. "A great facility, in move-in condition," he said.

The conference center now includes a pair of flat-screen televisions, total capacity of 210 people, a full sound system with microphones and could serve as a site for a small wedding, conferences or social gatherings. With space suitable for a caterer, Craig sees many possible uses for the space. For example, early bookings include a meeting of the Laconia Rotary Club and a group of fantasy football enthusiasts looking for a place to hold a player draft.

Those who would like to see the Beane Conference Center could attend the Belknap Independent Business Association's "Meet and Greet" held there on September 21, or the Chamber of Commerce's "Business After Hours" event on October 5. Craig said tours are available upon request. For more information, see beanecenter.com or call 527-3501.

The Jehovah Witness congregation that sold the building is currently meeting at a Kingdom Hall in Meredith and is looking for land to build a new site in the Lakes Region.

Including Craig, four generations of Beanes have served as funeral directors in Laconia. He said, of his new venture, "We're very excited as the Beane family to offer this."

CAPTION for CRAIG VACCUMS in AA:

Craig Beane, one of the principal owners of the Beane Conference Center in Laconia, vacuums the carpet of his new facility. (Laconia Daily Sun photo/Adam Drapcho)