Officials of the Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) applauded the Illinois General Assembly for passing historic legislation to reform labor rules, establish exhibitor rights and realign McCormick Place operations with its major competitors in the convention and trade show industries.
The bill contains the core reforms introduced in January by MPEA officials, Illinois Governor Pat Quinn and Chicago Mayor Richard M. Daley as well as the recommendations issued to the General Assembly by the MPEA Interim Board last week.
MPEA Interim Board Chairman, John Gates, urges a quick signing of the bill by the Governor to avoid the defection of more shows and losing the jobs they create.
“This is a victory for our customers, our economy and the working people of Illinois,” said John Gates, Chairman of the Interim MPEA Board that pushed for swift legislative action.
“I urge Governor Quinn to sign this bill into law quickly; every day we delay will cost Illinois jobs. When he does, it will be a new day in Chicago and we will have market offerings that no one will be able to top.”
The legislation calls for:
- New labor work rules that reduce crew sizes, require less overtime pay and eliminate hassles for customers.
- Expanding exhibitor rights, allowing customers to do their own work, regardless of booth size.
- The appointment of a Trustee, former MPEA CEO Jim Reilly, to oversee operations during an
- 18 month transition period and select a private manager for McCormick Place.
- Restructuring capital debt to allow the MPEA to further lower costs to customers and put the MPEA on sound financial footing.
- Allowing shows to select outside electrical and food service contractors.
- Auditing contracts to ensure savings are passed on to customers.
"This was always about protecting jobs and preserving an industry that provides $8 billion in economic impact for our State," said Juan A. Ochoa, Chief Executive Officer of the MPEA.
"When I became the CEO of MPEA more than three years ago, we called attention to the looming crisis for the convention and trade show business in Chicago. Since then, we have listened to our customers and pushed for reforms to address their concerns."
"I congratulate lawmakers for responding and taking decisive action to keep McCormick Place, and Navy Pier, the preeminent facilities in the convention and tourism industries.”
Under Ochoa’s leadership, the MPEA cut costs by 20 percent and reduced its workforce by 40 percent to reposition McCormick Place in the increasingly competitive convention and trade show industry.
Ochoa announced his resignation as CEO on Tuesday and said he will move on to lead a major national initiative on immigration reform. The effective date has not yet been determined. Ochoa said he wanted to ensure that he did not become a political obstacle in achieving the reforms he has fought so hard to achieve.
