On March 5, 2025, the Bloomington City Council made a significant decision that will shape the future of downtown Bloomington and further strengthen the local economy. With a unanimous vote, the Council approved the issuance of $46.8 million in bonds, marking the final step needed to fund the expansion of the Monroe County Convention Center. This decision not only unlocks the potential for a modernized convention facility but also cements the city’s commitment to economic growth and regional collaboration.

A Vital Economic Asset for Bloomington
The Monroe County Convention Center plays a crucial role in the economic vitality of the Greater Bloomington area. It serves as a gathering space for events, conferences, and trade shows, which in turn attract visitors and tourism dollars to our local businesses. The expansion, which will add 60,000 square feet to the existing 40,000-square-foot facility, will significantly increase the center’s capacity, enabling the city to host larger events, provide more meeting spaces, and offer opportunities for new conferences and conventions that were previously unavailable due to space constraints.

This is a win for local businesses, who will benefit from the increased traffic in downtown Bloomington. From restaurants to retail shops, the convention center is an engine for the local economy, particularly during the off-peak months when small businesses struggle to maintain steady sales. By increasing the capacity for events, the expansion promises to drive business year-round, helping local entrepreneurs thrive.

The Chamber’s Role in Advocacy
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce has been at the forefront of advocating for the expansion of the Monroe County Convention Center. Over the past few years, the Chamber has actively worked to highlight the economic benefits that the expansion will bring to local businesses and the community as a whole. By working closely with local leaders, business owners, and community stakeholders, the Chamber has helped to ensure that this project remains a priority for the City Council.

Our CEO/President, Eric Spoonmore, has been instrumental in this effort, representing the Chamber in meetings with the Capital Improvement Board (CIB) and other key stakeholders. The CIB has played a crucial role in managing the project, ensuring that it progresses smoothly and aligns with the needs of the community. Eric's involvement with the CIB has provided a valuable voice for local businesses, helping to shape the vision for the expanded convention center in a way that supports both economic development and community growth.

Community Impact and Future Opportunities
The expansion is not just a building project—it’s a statement about the future of Bloomington as a regional hub for tourism, business, and civic engagement. The increased space will allow local charities, organizations, and businesses to host more large-scale events, making it easier for them to connect with the community and expand their reach. Whether for a local fundraiser, a national conference, or a regional trade show, the new convention center will foster greater collaboration and innovation.

Furthermore, the expansion’s emphasis on sustainable design and modern amenities will make the Monroe County Convention Center a premier destination for visitors and event organizers, ensuring that Bloomington remains competitive with other cities in the region.

​Looking Ahead
This approval is a momentous achievement for our city and will have lasting benefits for years to come. The City Council’s leadership in approving the expansion is a testament to their commitment to building a brighter future for Bloomington and Monroe County. As the construction begins and the expansion takes shape, we look forward to the new opportunities that will come with a larger, more vibrant convention center.
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With this project moving forward, Bloomington is poised for continued growth, attracting more business, tourism, and economic development opportunities. The expansion of the Monroe County Convention Center is not just an investment in infrastructure—it's an investment in the future of our community.
The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, along with the leadership of Eric Spoonmore and the hard work of the Capital Improvement Board, is proud to have played a role in making this historic night a reality. Let’s continue to support projects like these that drive our economy, create jobs, and improve the quality of life for all Bloomington residents.

​David Brooks’ recent speech on cultural renewal challenged us to reassess how we build and strengthen our communities. He emphasized the importance of reconnecting with our moral roots and restoring trust in our institutions. His reflections on how we’ve privatized morality, created divisions, and weakened our institutions strike a chord.  The work we are doing at the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce through initiatives like Bloomington Women in Leadership (BWIL) and The Success School works to counter the recent cynicism. These programs with the critical role volunteers play, demonstrate how we are actively working to rebuild the cultural fabric of our community.

​BWIL: Empowering Women, Building Community
Brooks argued that cultural transformation happens when individuals come together for a collective purpose. “Culture changes when a creative minority finds a beautiful way to live, and the rest of us copy,” he said. This idea resonates deeply with the BWIL program, which connects and empowers women leaders in Bloomington to create a ripple effect of growth, support, and community.

Through BWIL, the Chamber cultivates a network where women leaders, especially those who have overcome personal or professional challenges, can mentor and guide others. BWIL events, like the Women Excel Bloomington (WEB) Awards, celebrate the accomplishments of local women and inspire others to take on leadership roles. This program exemplifies Brooks' idea of “being broken open” during times of struggle and transforming those moments into opportunities for renewal. The stories of resilience and growth shared within BWIL are central to fostering a connected, vibrant community where leadership flourishes.

Brooks also highlighted the power of suffering and struggle in shaping transformation, saying, “In moments of suffering, you can either be broken or you can be broken open.” BWIL exemplifies this as a space where women who have faced adversity—whether in their personal lives or careers—come together to support and lift one another. These connections lead to personal and professional growth, strengthening the cultural fabric of Bloomington.

The Success School: Bridging the Gap Between Education, Volunteers, and the Business Community
Brooks also emphasized the importance of strengthening institutions like our school districts, noting that institutions are the bedrock of society, providing stability and trust. At the Success School, we have an opportunity to help young people and community members alike see the value of strong institutions and how they contribute to societal well-being.

The Success School partners with local school districts to provide over 4,500 students annually with programs that offer career learning opportunities, from Reality Store® simulations to Job Shadowing and Career Panels. These programs connect education with the workforce and underscore how individuals’ choices today shape their future. . 

But one of the most impactful aspects of the Success School is the involvement of volunteers from the business community. Volunteers at the Success School play a pivotal role in strengthening the very institutions Brooks mentions. By dedicating their time and expertise, volunteers help students see the direct connection between their education and future success. The Reality Store®, for example, wouldn’t be possible without volunteers from local businesses who guide students through the simulation of budgeting and financial planning. These hands-on experiences foster a deeper understanding of how institutions, like schools and businesses, interact to support individual and community growth. Volunteers, by engaging directly with students, contribute to creating a sense of belonging and trust in the system.

As Brooks reflected, moments of struggle can lead to profound transformation, and volunteering at the Success School is an example of how the business community is helping to strengthen the educational system. By supporting local students and providing mentorship, volunteers are reinforcing the social fabric and showing how civic engagement can heal and rebuild our institutions. These acts of service help restore the faith in institutions that Brooks described as vital for cultural renewal.

Strengthening Community Through Collective Action
David Brooks spoke powerfully about the need for cultural renewal through collective action. “In moments of suffering, you can either be broken or you can be broken open,” he said. At the Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce, our BWIL program and Success School are examples of how we are choosing to be “broken open” as a community. Through leadership development, volunteerism, and educational initiatives, we are actively working to rebuild the moral, social, and institutional fabric that sustains us.

Volunteers, especially those at the Success School, play an essential role in this transformation. Their contributions help strengthen the institutions that support our future leaders, making sure that our educational system remains resilient and responsive to the needs of the community. These volunteers embody the renewal Brooks described: they give of their time and talents to help others, creating a ripple effect that strengthens both individuals and institutions.
Brooks also suggested that change occurs when “a small group of people finds a better way to live, and the rest of us copy.” The volunteers at the Success School are the embodiment of this principle—they are the ones showing how collective effort and community involvement can create lasting change. Through their actions, they inspire others to engage, volunteer, and contribute to the broader cultural renewal that our community needs.

Moving Forward Together
As Brooks urged, we have an opportunity to embrace moments of crisis as opportunities for growth and transformation. The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce remains committed to nurturing leaders, strengthening institutions, and fostering volunteerism that supports our community. Whether through BWIL or the Success School, we are focused on creating a community where trust, shared values, and collective purpose guide us forward.

We invite you to join us in this effort—whether through volunteering at the Success School, participating in BWIL, or supporting other Chamber programs. Together, we can create the foundation for a renewed community that reflects the values David Brooks calls for and that will continue to thrive for generations to come.