Struggle over the Monroe Convention Center continues

NOTE: This Noon Edition interview with Chamber CEO Eric Spoonmore was published in the September 9, 2022 WFIU Noon Edition by Nathan Moore.

(Devan Ridgway, WTIU/WFIU News)

Listen to the Interview Here

Discussions between city and county officials over the Monroe Convention Center’s expansion and ownership continue. Bloomington Mayor John Hamilton’s administration offered to buy the convention center for $4 million to accelerate its expansion. The expansion is expected to cost tens of millions to complete.

The purpose of this expansion is to host larger events, increasing tourism dollars and boosting the local economy.  

The goal for the city administration and local businesses leaders is to get a deal done by the end of the month, but some county officials say they don’t support the city’s plan. 

A main funding source for the center is a 1% food and beverage tax that has collected more than $14 million. That tax could be threatened in the next legislative session. ​

We’ll talk about these issues and prospects for a deal with our guests this Friday on Noon Edition.   

You can follow us on Twitter at @NoonEdition or join us on the air by calling 812-855-0811 or toll-free at 1-877-285-9348. You can also send questions for the show at [email protected].
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Guests
Mike McAfee – Executive Director for Visit Bloomington
Eric Spoonmore – President of The Greater Bloomington Chamber of Commerce