Update On Convention Center Progress Given At SCC Board Of Commissioners Meeting

The first meeting of 2013 was held yesterday by the St. Clair County Board of Commissioners as commissioners took their oath of office, Chairman Jeff Bohm and Vice Chairman Steve Simasko were reappointed to their posts and newly elected officers, Karl Tomion and Tom Reilly were sworn in as well.  Tomion previously served as the city manager of Port Huron, while Reilly served as a commissioner from 2002-04. County Administrator Bill Kauffman updated the board on progress on the Blue Water Area Convention Center and former Thomas Edison Inn.  The agreement between JB Real Estate Development and Hilton Hotel has been completed, ensuring the former Thomas Edison Inn will be remade into a Hilton Double Tree.  Kaufman says the schematic design plan for the convention center should be finalized within 10 days.  This plan Kauffman says will allow the team to better allocate the county’s $9 million budget and move ahead with the design of the facility.  Work has begun inside the hotel as well as in the restaurant area.