In business, zero isn’t usually a number you want to see.

Yet on computer screens throughout Lawrence, zeros and red negative numbers are causing smiles for hotel operators. In hotel computer systems, zero means every room is reserved; negative numbers mean the hotel’s overbooked.

The July 20-22 dedication celebration for the Dole Institute of Politics at Kansas University’s west campus is producing plenty of both.

“I’m full from the Friday before until the following Sunday,” said Kate Kelly, general manager of the Days Inn at 2309 Iowa. “We’re still getting calls.”

The grand opening for the Dole Institute is a godsend for Lawrence hotels struggling to fill rooms in a stagnant economy, area lodging operators said.

“June’s a lost cause,” said Cale Coke, general manager of the Ramada Inn, 2222 W. Sixth St. “But we’re really excited about July. We’re hoping it makes our year.”

Coke is a veteran of the hotel industry. He was laid off as a hotel manager in Las Vegas and moved to Lawrence two years ago. What he’s seen since 9-11 scares him.

“The decline has been consistent and incredible,” he said. “A lot of businesses have been depending on that extra dollar from customers. Now they’re just not spending it.”

¢ 6News video: The Dole Institute’s opening may make area hotels happy

The Ramada is nearly full for the weekend of the Dole dedication, and Coke expects to sell out. As an added boost, Lawrence will play host to a large fast-pitch softball tournament the weekend after the opening. Coke said the combination meant most hotels in the area were looking at a week of full occupancy.

“It could mean the difference between a profit and a bigger profit or a loss,” said Judy Billings, director of the Lawrence Convention and Visitors Bureau. “But it’s not Disneyland.”

Billings said the Dole Institute was not a traditional attraction. It will attract a different clientele, but Billings thinks that actually will help area businesses.

“The type of people that will (visit the Dole Institute), for the most part, have disposable income,” Billings said. “Not many communities get an opportunity like this.”

Lawrence businesses are banking on it. Billings described the Dole Institute as a destination driver: It’s the type of attraction that can be worked into bus tours or other large-scale tourist excursions. Coke said the Ramada was using the Dole Institute in its new marketing plans and was trying to work out special rates in conjunction with KU.

Hotel managers and business owners know the Dole Institute will not solve all the economic problems in the city, but it will help, especially in attracting more tourists.

“Everybody has an art museum. Everybody has a community history museum,” Kelly said. “Not everyone has a Dole Center.”