Community leaders hope building a Welcome Center at the intersection of Interstates 35 and 90 would boost tourism and economic development in Albert Lea.

Wednesday, February 07, 2001

Community leaders hope building a Welcome Center at the intersection of Interstates 35 and 90 would boost tourism and economic development in Albert Lea.

&uot;It’s going to be a showcase for the city of Albert Lea, essentially taking the city of Albert Lea to Interstates 35 and 90,&uot; Convention and Visitor’s Bureau (CVB) Director Jim Pilgrim said.

Pilgrim and CVB Associate Director Barb Craig have been working on the idea of a welcome center for about eight months, with community assistance from Pam Bishop, Executive Vice President of Greater Jobs, Inc.; Allen Pelvit, President of the Albert Lea/Freeborn County Chamber of Commerce; Darryl Amundson from KATE radio; and other community leaders.

The welcome center is still in the design stage, and no real estate has been designated for the purpose, Pilgrim said. He would not project when construction would start or the project be completed.

Initial drawings indicate that the center would combine outdoor attractions with businesslike presentations of Albert Lea and Freeborn County’s industrial, recreational and business offerings inside the building.

The idea is to create an image for Albert Lea, in hopes that people will consider the town a vacation spot, rather than a town to drive through on their way somewhere else, Pilgrim said.

&uot;(The center would) create an environment that is a welcome mat to the city of Albert Lea,&uot; Pilgrim said.