OC Convention Expansion
OCEAN CITY, Md. – Ocean City welcomed Governor Larry Hogan to celebrate the largely anticipated expansion of the Roland E. Powell convention center. A project that’s slated to bring hundreds of jobs to the area. “We’re looking forward to another very strong summer and the convention center is going to be a big part of it,” says city engineer and manager, Terry McGean.
The town of Ocean City is on the road to economic recovery and Mayor Rick Meehan says the 45,000 square foot extension of the convention center provides the space for endless opportunities. “Estimated the expansion to generate $47 to $67 million in new spending and generate $2.5 to $3.5 million in new state tax revenue,” says Mayor Meehan.
Before the expansion, the mayor says the town had to turn down some events due to limited space. However, after presenting the idea of expansion to Governor Hogan, we’re told he wasted no time in helping Ocean City get what they need. “He really expedited and fast-tracked the expansion of the Ocean City convention center so we could have these big conventions come in,” says Senator Mary Beth Carozza. She adds, “So this is a big day that we were actually able to not only to cut the ribbon but to see it in action and to see that the space is already being used.”
The town is projecting that the expansion could bring over 600 jobs to Ocean City. “So it’s the culmination of a lot of hard work and it’s very satisfying to see it, and it’s going to give us not only more space but way more flexibility,” says McGean.
Governor Hogan tells 47 ABC, this expansion can boost the economy, and attract tourism. “There are people lined up to get in and I’m sure that they’re out spending money in ocean city which enables places to hire more to stay open full time all year round,” says Gov. Hogan.
However, we’re told it’s not just about jobs. With a new exhibit hall, bayside gallery, and business center, the possibilities are endless and truly emphasize Governor Hogan’s message that ‘Maryland is open for business.’ “It brings in revenue from the state of Maryland, brings in revenue to the county and the city and it’s like a win, win, win,” says Gov. Hogan.
Town officials also tell us, they’re already seeing new hires and they plan to grow that number with more events and conventions.
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