Bling, Big Money Converge on Cowtown

Nearly 1,000 women are in town for Premier Designs' annual convention.

Even in a difficult economy, it's been a financial lifeline for their families, said Karen Grizzle, an independent distributor.

"In May of last year, I lost my job -- my full-time, big-girl job," she said. "If it hadn't been for Premier, I don't know what we would have done."

This year is the Irving-based direct-sales company's 25th anniversary. This year's convention runs through Sunday.

Premier Designs' convention is Fort Worth's largest annual convention. It brings in about $17.5 million toward the city's $1.3 billion tourism industry.

About 9,500 people from all over the country are attending this year's convention. It brings in 1,200 room nights in local hotels as well as additional revenue from retail and dining sales.

The convention is slated to stay in Fort Worth through at least 2015.