State Tourism Director Talks About Country’s First Official Railroad Hall of Fame

CHICAGO – Gov. Rod R. Blagojevich’s tourism director was in Galesburg today to highlight the state’s continued commitment to the City of Galesburg to open the National Railroad Hall of Fame.  The state has provided $200,000 in funding for various efforts, including assistance in acquiring the property that will house the Hall of Fame.  The U.S. Congress formally recognized the National Railroad Hall of Fame through U.S. House of Representatives Resolution #342, which passed on October 8, 2003, and U.S. Congressional Senate Resolution #255, which passed on April 28, 2004.  Illinois Bureau of Tourism Deputy Director Jan Kostner was in Galesburg today to talk about the museum with other state and local officials.  

“Illinois is proud to be the home of the National Railroad Hall of Fame.  We will attract people from across the state, the country and the globe who will travel here or extend their vacations to visit what will be a one of a kind museum detailing an important part of our country’s history.  Those visitors will not only have a unique experience, but they will create more jobs and expand the local economy.  Through our Bureau of Tourism’s efforts, we will continue to benefit from showcasing this region, while putting more people to work,” Gov. Blagojevich said.

The expansive, multi-acre site is adjacent to Interstate Highway 74 in Kiwanis Park.  The museum is expected to feature interactive exhibits, theaters and technologically advanced displays.  The Hall of Fame is expected to bring in thousands and thousands of visitors to the state each year and create 30 new full-time jobs.

In 2005, the economic impact of tourism in Knox County increased by 6.4 percent to nearly $51 million.  Local tax receipts related also increased by 4.7 percent to nearly $1.3 million. 

“The National Railroad Hall of Fame has incredible potential for the City of Galesburg.  In addition to the construction jobs it would support, at least 30 full-time jobs it would create and the many new visitors it would attract, the Hall of Fame will provide a huge morale boost for Galesburg.  The entire community has been waiting eagerly for this national destination to be built in our backyard, and I want to thank Gov. Blagojevich for all of his support,” State Rep. Don Moffitt (R-Galesburg) said.

“The national railroad system had a tremendous impact on the United States, from the country’s economy to the national lifestyle.  The National Railroad Hall of fame has been working towards building this museum for more than a decade and realizing this dream would not be possible without the commitment of Gov. Blagojevich and the Illinois Bureau of Tourism,” Galesburg Mayor Gary Smith said.

“The National Railroad Hall of Fame and the City of Galesburg are grateful to Gov. Blagojevich for his solid commitment to this project.  We look excitedly toward the future and believe that the National Railroad Hall of Fame will become a national icon,” Jay Matson, Chairman of the Hall of Fame board, said.

“Illinois tourism continues to attract visitors from far and wide, which is why it is such an important component of our state and local economies.  Gov. Blagojevich and I are committed to making the kinds of investments that are bringing more visitors to the Galesburg area and adding new jobs.  With high-profile attractions such as the National Railroad Hall of Fame, we will continue to build and benefit from the economic momentum spurred by the tourism industry,” Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity Director Jack Lavin said.

“Our tourism industry is a remarkable asset, and Gov. Blagojevich is helping to attract record numbers of visitors statewide with these tourism grants.  The National Railroad Hall of Fame will be a huge draw for visitors from all over and will ensure Galesburg’s place on the national map,” Illinois Bureau of Tourism Deputy Director Jan Kostner said.

In 2005, travel to Illinois directly accounted for more than 300,000 Illinois jobs, including more than 400 new jobs in 2005, that generated nearly $7.9 billion in payroll.  The economic impact generated by travel spending in 2005 in Illinois grew to a record high $26.2 billion, an increase of 6.8 percent, generating $1.84 billion in state and local tax revenue, according to the Travel Industry Association of America.  This added an additional $74.2 million in state and local taxes in 2005.

The Illinois Bureau of Tourism offers free travel resources with information on statewide 3-Day Getaways, festivals, events and attractions.  All are available by calling 800-2CONNECT to speak with an Illinois travel counselor or by visiting www.enjoyillinois.com. 
                                                
Gov. Blagojevich’s Opportunity Returns regional economic development strategy is the most aggressive, comprehensive approach to creating jobs in Illinois’ history.  Since a one-size-fits-all approach to economic development just doesn’t work, the Governor has divided the state into 10 regions – each with a regional team that is empowered and expected to rapidly respond to opportunities and challenges.  Opportunity Returns is about tangible, specific actions to make each region more accessible, more marketable, more entrepreneurial and more attractive to businesses.  It is about upgrading the skills of the local workforce, increasing the access to capital, opening new markets, improving infrastructure, and creating and retaining jobs.  Opportunity Returns is about successfully partnering with companies and communities, both large and small, to help all of Illinois reach its economic potential.