March 28, 2024 11:34 AM
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Greetings to readers everywhere!

Our November print edition is packed with information and insight into the changes taking place so rapidly in our industry today. See our continuing coverage of labor rule modifications and other changes enacted by the MPEA, the governing body of Chicago’s McCormick Place and Navy Pier. Phase II changes announced recently include free internet access for everyone working/visiting the property, as well as lowering parking rates.


Union Labor as Sacrificial Cow?
One could look at the labor rule changes at McCormick Place and Navy Pier as unfair to the skilled showfloor worker and the unions that represent them. A top labor official for the carpenters told me that on the IMTS alone, they tracked the loss of 13,000 hours, not counting losses for other unions. It was relayed that this was a conservative estimate. However, the number of jobs affected in the overall, and much larger, tourism and convention industry for the metro region pales in comparison.

Although these changes are intense for the workforce, they are good for the customer, providing huge savings and more flexibility. The entire tourism industry has better job security as a result of these recent changes.

Follow ECN as we continue to cover our industry’s changing landscape. One thing is for certain, all of North America will be affected by the changes enacted by the MPEA.

Randy Smith Memorial Golf Classic
Hats off to all the participants and volunteers that once again raised money and provided support for people in our industry facing hardship and loss.

So grab a cup of coffee, or your favorite beverage, and enjoy some quiet time reading!

10-Year Milestone as ECN Columnist
Hats off to Jim Obermeyer who has just completed his 120th column for ECN. Check out this month’s column, on Page 6A, as he looks back over the last decade. The before and after photos of his wonderful family speaks volumes that we can all relate to.

Don Svehla
Group Publisher

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