For Immediate Release
Wednesday, June 19, 2002
AFSCME Convention Revenues Expected to Boost Las Vegas Economy
WASHINGTON —When the American Federation of State County, and Municipal Employees (AFSCME), AFL-CIO, opens its convention in Las Vegas at the Paris Las Vegas Hotel and Convention Center, AFSCME will be doing its part to help Las Vegas continue its strong comeback from the economic downturn that followed the terrorism attacks of September 11.
The 6,000 delegates and guests will pump more than $15 million into the Las Vegas economy. Delegates will spend about $2,500 each on airfare, hotels, meals, entertainment, and other goods from city businesses. In addition many will visit the traditional tourist sites, take in a show or concert and try their hand at the black jack table and slot machines.
"The city lost $100 million in convention business in the wake of September 11. Additionally, many of our brothers and sisters who work in the hotel and restaurant industry found themselves without jobs," said AFSCME Secretary-Treasurer Bill Lucy. "I'm hoping that AFSCME's contribution will go a long way toward the city's economic recovery."
AFSCME is one of the largest and fastest-growing unions in the American labor movement and continually fights to raise the standards of members and their families and for all American workers, whether or not they belong to unions.
