Century Center brings $38 million to area economy

Century Center's economic engine Century Center had a total economic impact of more than $38.29 million for 2003. The center's effect is far-reaching, influencing the local hotel and restaurant industry and creating spinoff jobs for rental and vending companies. Here are some other numbers to gauge the role of the convention and business center. Total convention delegates: 26,170 Delegate spending: $26.37 million Average daily delegate spending $175 Average length of stay 2.4 days Total salaries: $2.2 million Total purchases (St. Joseph County) $1.5 million State and local taxes generated $5.3 million Industry-related jobs 627 Source: Study by Prof. Jerry McElroy, Department of Economics, Saint Mary's College

SOUTH BEND -- Opened in 1977, Century Center was built to revitalize what at the time was a stagnant downtown.

Built as a "people place'' then, the facility sought to become a home for arts, entertainment and culture as well as a gathering place for city events.

It's still that. But after more than 26 years, the center's role as a convention and meeting site continues to pay huge dividends for the local economy.

A recent study conducted by Saint Mary's College economics professor Jerry McElroy shows the center contributed more than $38 million to the local economy in 2003.

The study is the first in more than a decade to highlight the economic impact of the facility.

Century Center has been a sustained income earner over time, McElroy said.

And the center's spinoff effect can still be seen today with the opening of restaurants and specialty shops downtown.

"Communities see convention centers as a way to spur economic growth downtown,'' said Sandra Lee Holtz, director of marketing and sales for Century Center.

She said the economic impact of the center sometimes is difficult for the public to gauge because a majority of the events are not open to the public.

Of the 676 events booked at the center last year, only about one-third were open to the public, Holtz said.

McElroy's study shows that 20 percent of the people who come here for things like home and garden and boat shows would go to other communities if such events did not have a home here.

In addition, money spent at restaurants and hotels has increased. Average delegate spending increased to $175 per day compared to $125 a day in the 1990 study.

The average stay also increased from 1.6 days in 1990 to 2.4 days in 2003.

Much of the information was obtained through surveys filled out by those attending conventions and meetings here.

Holtz said the study is important because it helps Century Center "tell our story of the importance of conventions and tourism to our community.''

Staff writer Terrence Bland:

tbland@sbtinfo.com

(574) 235-6337