DAYTON — A rebuilt convention center is dedicated in downtown Dayton after years of deal-making and three years of construction.
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As reported on News Center 7 at 6, local leaders hope the around $45 million worth of renovations at the Dayton Convention Center will draw outside investment into the area.
They believe that the work turned a crumbling facility into a community asset.
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One that city, county, and state leaders agreed should help create jobs and opportunities, as it brings visitors to downtown Dayton.
“The success of the convention center will ripple out to hotels, restaurants, artists, and entrepreneurs,” Judy Dodge, Montgomery County Commissioner, said.
“It’s about momentum. It’s about saying to the world, ‘Dayton is ready’, ready to host big events, ready to welcome visitors, ready to be a destination again,” Rep. Willis Blackshear (D-Dayton) said.
Jacqui Powell, president and CEO of Destination Dayton, said this will give the city a “competitive edge.”
The multi-million dollar upgrades were paid for by a new 3 percent countywide hotel tax.
Many community members took a tour, anxious to see what conventions could soon bring visitors, visibility, and investments to downtown.
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