NEWS RELEASE

Governor Jon S. Corzine

July 18, 2008

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Sean Darcy

Jim Gardner

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GOVERNOR SIGNS LEGISLATION TRANSFERRING ATLANTIC CITY CONVENTION CENTER PROJECT

Atlantic City – Governor Jon S. Corzine today signed legislation moving the Atlantic City Convention Center project from the auspices of New Jersey Sports & Exposition Authority to the control of the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors’ Authority. 

“I am gratified to sign this bill today so that both the Sports & Exposition Authority and the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors’ Authority can do what they do best: maintain and govern their own destinations in different parts of the state,” said Governor Corzine.

“This bill is a significant step in the growth and economic vitality of Atlantic City . Over the next decade, some $15 billion in development investments are expected to transform Atlantic City into a global resort destination. Incorporating the Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall is critical to that resurgence.”

The Atlantic City Convention Center project includes the convention center, which is comprised of approximately 500,000 sq. ft. of exhibition space, 45 meeting rooms, and a 1,500-space parking garage as well as the historic Boardwalk Hall and its West Hall expansion, which hosts family shows, concerts and sporting events.

“The Convention Center is an important part of the continued growth of Atlantic City as a world-class tourism and convention destination.  We’re strengthening the Visitors Authority and its ability to maximize the economic potential of greater Atlantic City regional,” added Senator Jim Whelan, (D-Atlantic).

“This will streamline the operations of the Convention Center,” said Senator Paul A. Sarlo, (D-Bergen, Essex and Passaic ).  “The transfer will allow Atlantic City to maximize the use of the Convention Center while freeing up the Sports Authority to focus on the other facilities it owns.”

“Turning Atlantic City into the premier gaming and resort destination we know it can be requires the state to step back and put control of the Convention Center and Boardwalk Hall into local hands,” said Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli (D-Gloucester). “With the Atlantic City Convention and Visitors Authority operating the resort’s major event halls, decisions that directly impact the regional economy will be made by people who best know the region.”

Both facilities generate revenues through either admission charges in the case of Boardwalk Hall or rents, parking fees, concessions and convention and trade-show related services at the Convention Center.

According to Jeffrey Vasser, executive director of the Atlantic City Convention & Visitors Authority, “The signing of this legislation not only separates us from the New Jersey Sports and Exposition Authority, it reflects the maturing of Atlantic City as a destination and the ACCVA as a destination marketing organization. It provides greater efficiency, cost savings, and enables us to better market the Atlantic City region to visitors and convention planners.”

Sponsors of A2011/S1393 were Assemblyman John J. Burzichelli (D-Salem, Cumberland , Gloucester ); Senator Paul A. Sarlo (D-Bergen, Essex, Passaic ) and Senator Jim Whelan (D-Atlantic).

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