A bigger future for Pennsylvania and the Philadelphia region was commemorated today when the first building in the footprint of the Pennsylvania Convention Center expansion was demolished. Representatives from the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, City of Philadelphia, Pennsylvania Convention Center Authority, and Philadelphia Convention & Visitors Bureau spoke prior to the demolition on the important role that the larger convention center will play for years to come in creating new jobs and building a stronger economy in the region and the state.

"We call this the Pennsylvania Convention Center because it benefits the entire commonwealth, not just the Philadelphia region," Governor Edward G. Rendell said in a statement. "Supporting this expansion is vital to our goal of improving the state's economy by investing in jobs and stimulating travel to the commonwealth.