Gateway Center receives nearly $130,000 in Opportunity Returns funding 

CHICAGO – Building on his efforts to support the tourism and convention industry in Southwest Illinois, Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich today announced nearly $130,000 in Opportunity Returns funding for the renovation and expansion of the Gateway Center in Collinsville.  The Governor’s support will enable the Center to increase its capacity so that additional conferences can take place in the region and make the facility more competitive in the convention and tradeshow market.  Gateway Center is expanding its facility by approximately 30,000 square feet.

“We recently announced a record growth in the Illinois tourism industry, but we know we must continue to support this industry to keep it strong.  I’m proud to partner with business and community leaders to keep the Gateway Center the premier destination for conventions, meetings and trade shows because this is a vital linchpin for economic growth in Southwest Illinois,” Gov. Blagojevich said.

Part of the Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity’s (DCEO) grant will allow for the installation of moveable walls, giving meeting planners added flexibility and the ability to create two to six break-out rooms in the newly constructed space.  Additionally, the renovated lobby will feature an information and Internet kiosk, giving visitors easy-access to information about the Center and destinations throughout Southwest Illinois.  

“Even during these difficult fiscal times, Gov. Blagojevich is finding ways to invest in Southwest Illinois to keep our economy moving ahead.  The Gateway Center provides important jobs in our region, and his support is keeping the hospitality and tourism industry strong,” State Senator William Haine (D-Alton) said.

“We must continue to keep people in our region working, and Gov. Blagojevich’s support will help keep the Gateway Center competitive.  The expanded space will allow even more and bigger convention groups to use the facility,” State Rep. Jay Hoffman (D-Collinsville) said.

Gov. Blagojevich’s investment comes at a time when statewide tourism is rising at a record pace, and the state’s support will lay a foundation for continued growth.  In 2004, tourism spending in Madison County injected $267 million into the local economy and supported more than 3,000 jobs.  

Through the past five years, countless new destinations have been developed for the convention and tradeshow market in the greater St. Louis region and regularly compete with Gateway Center when attracting events.  The renovation and expansion will allow Gateway Center to remain the region’s premier convention center.  

“Time and time again, Gov. Blagojevich has shown his commitment to not only supporting, but growing the hospitality and tourism industry in Illinois so that we can show the world that every corner of Illinois is a world-class destination,” DCEO Director Jack Lavin said.

Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history.  Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions – each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges.  Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses.  It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs.  Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.