|
"We have doubled the annual number of stagehands hired to set up theatrical displays in event exhibits," said Claude Molinari, Cobo Center general manager. "And I had a representative from another union tell me rather recently that for the first time in many years, none of their members had to file for unemployment during the summer because of the work available in Cobo."
Part of the mission of the Detroit Regional Convention Facility Authority, the governing body of Cobo Center, is to maximize positive economic impact, creating region-wide jobs and expanding business opportunities for the benefit of business stakeholders and the local community.
"The union leadership was very progressive in working with us, and that has led to more shows," said Molinari, "which in turn led to more work for the membership."
NAIAS and the Cobo Center executive team are currently negotiating a second, long term contract to keep the auto show in the center. The first five-year contract signed in 2012 ended this year. Additionally, SAE International just signed a seven-year contract that will keep the SAE World Congress Experience in the facility through 2025.
|
