Central Illinois Gets Economic Boost
2003 Int'l LLL convention expected to generate $1.2 million of impact
St. Louis, Mo., May 12, 2003 —From dollars spent on lodging and meals to the service jobs they generate, meetings in Peoria, Ill., mean economic impact. This summer when the International Lutheran Laymen's League (Int'l LLL) - the parent organization of Lutheran Hour Ministries - meets for its 86th annual convention, more than $1.2 million is expected to filter into the Peoria economy.
Convention concessions, parking, space rental, licenses, taxes, vendors, hall labor - all contribute revenue to a growing city poised on the banks of the Illinois River. Add the attraction of quality Christian entertainment, national family and health experts, motivational speakers and memorable worship opportunities that the July 17-20 Lutheran Hour Ministries (LHM) 2003 Outreach Expo and Convention will bring. The expected draw - more than 4,000 Christians from 30 nations.
"In 1979, Peoria decided to capitalize on its central location, cultural diversity, Midwestern hospitality and affordability," says Diana Anderson, Peoria Area Convention and Visitors Bureau director of convention sales and marketing. "Today we have the largest, most well-appointed convention center in Illinois, outside of Chicago."
According to Carol Werchan, LHM executive administrator of conventions and meetings, Peoria's heartland location, proximity to Int'l LLL members and excellent meeting facilities proved key to launching the new and innovative approach to this year's annual meeting.
With its 63,000 sq. ft. of exhibit space and 12,000-seat Carver Arena, the Peoria Civic Center will host the LHM Outreach Expo and Convention - four full days of special events and activities designed for Christians of all ages. In addition to ministry business sessions, the event will include Christian comedy, music, motivational speakers, outreach training workshops, family and parenting seminars, faith-based community service events, and traditional celebration, worship and study opportunities. Ringing the concourse level of the exhibit area, an unprecedented International Expo will showcase LHM outreach efforts on six continents - complete with multicultural exhibits and ministry representatives from more than 30 nations.
Carver Arena is the site for Christian families when July 18 "Lutheran Hour Ministries Presents Ken Davis and Friends - Live." Davis is a favored presenter among Christian groups and is known for his side-splitting humor and inspirational Gospel message. Capping the July 18 evening will be a special concert by the Christian rock band, Echelon, the official band of The Lutheran Church-Missouri Synod's 2004 National Youth Gathering. Beginning June 1, tickets to Ken Davis and Friends will be available at the Peoria Civic Center Box Office and through Ticketmaster at www.ticketmaster.com.
Two of the nation's most-requested Christian family and parenting experts - psychologist Dr. Kevin Leman and nutritionist David L. Meinz - will top the list of quality presenters at LHM's first-ever "Celebrate the Healthy Christian Family Conference" on July 19. Leman will give two of his most popular seminars, "Making Your Child Mind without Losing Yours" and "Adolescence Isn't Terminal." Meinz will present morning and afternoon sessions on "Today's Healthy Woman." All seminars are free and open to the public.
Every year, Peoria hosts numerous sports, arts and entertainment events, association meetings, conventions and trade shows, all considered vital to continued regional economic development. "The LHM Outreach Expo and Convention is set to generate $1.2 million," says Anderson. "But, we'd like to attract even larger groups." As a result, plans are underway to add 80,000 sq. ft. of exhibit area, new break-out meeting rooms and a ballroom to existing civic center facilities. The anticipated date for completion is 2007.
To learn more about the LHM 2003 Outreach Expo and Convention or to register online, log on to www.lhm.org/convention. To receive further ministry news via e-mail, visit www.lhm.org/emailservices.htm.
Lutheran Hour Ministries is the media outreach ministry
of the International Lutheran Laymen’s League, an auxiliary of The
Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod and Lutheran
Church—Canada. The ministry airs TV, radio and Internet programming
in 44 countries and has ministry centers in 41 countries. It is based in St. Louis,
MO. Its flagship radio program in North America is “The
Lutheran Hour,” the world’s oldest continually broadcast Gospel
radio program, airing since 1930.
For more information, please contact:
Kathy Bernard
(800) 944-3450, ext. 4152
