A few weeks ago I was proud to be part of a bipartisan effort to step in and save McPier - the agency that oversees conventions at McCormick Place, among other duties. Skyrocketing costs for vendors, including food service and mandatory fees to unions for setting up booths, caused a number of high profile national conventions to threaten to move their shows to other convention destinations like Orlando and Las Vegas. Given that one of those shows, the International Home and Housewares Show, brought approximately 60,000 visitors and $82 million to Chicago in March, quick and bold change was needed before thousands of jobs and millions of dollars were lost. 

The McPier overhaul, Senate Bill 28, empowers a special trustee to step in and enforce new operational standards, which are designed to save jobs and preserve a vital source of revenue for our city and state. The new law allows exhibitors (customers) broad leeway to set up their own booths, taking the place of restrictive rules that required union assistance for even the simplest of tasks. The overhaul also prohibits markups on electricity and food costs provided by McPier's in-house vendors. Along with other provisions such as incentive grants for attendance, the cost savings will keep our city competitive. 

Though the General Assembly passed the bill in the first week of May, Governor Quinn sat on the legislation until some major trade shows gave him an ultimatum. Instead of signing the bill, he vetoed it with recommendations for change. Most of his suggestions were already poised to pass the General Assembly in follow-up legislation, and his delay nearly cost Chicago and the state of Illinois dearly. 

Thankfully legislators were able to pass the follow-up legislation and override the governor's veto, causing the International Home and Housewares Show board to vote to keep their trade show in Chicago. 

As Chairman of the House Tourism and Conventions Committee, I am well aware of just how important tourism and trade shows are to Chicago and Illinois' economy. Every dollar spent on tourism returns many more in new revenue, and thousands of jobs are supported by a steady stream of visitors. Reforming business at McPier and McCormick Place was an important piece of a strong tourism strategy. As your state representative, I will continue to be a strong and active advocate for tourism, as much of our district relies on the economic development and jobs it creates.
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