Visitor receives gift basket, overnight stay along South Shore
The South Shore Convention and Visitors Authority celebrated a major milestone on Saturday, Dec. 14. Since opening the doors to the Indiana Welcome Center in 1999, the South Shore CVA has seen three million visitors come into the building.
“The Indiana Welcome Center serves both residents and visitors of the South Shore,” said Speros A. Batistatos, president and CEO of the South Shore CVA. “Not only do we provide an abundance of information on the South Shore, the building serves as an attraction with the W.F. Wellman Exhibit Hall, John Dillinger Museum and In-Vision Theater.”
The three millionth visitor, Janette Patterson of Greenwood, Indiana, came to the Indiana Welcome Center on Saturday to view the exhibit before heading to Chicago with her family. Patterson said it was her first time at the Indiana Welcome Center.
“Everybody here (at the Indiana Welcome Center) was so great, so nice,” said Patterson after receiving a gift basket recognizing her for being the milestone visitor.
Patterson’s three millionth visitor gift basket was full of items from partners of the South Shore CVA. Items included a gift certificate for an overnight stay at the Hampton Inn & Suites in Schererville, candy from Albanese Candy Factory in Merrillville, a gift certificate to El Taco Real in Hammond and more.
“The South Shore CVA and the Indiana Welcome Center have had many accomplishments throughout the years. That we’ve served three million visitors through our doors is a feat we’re very excited to celebrate,” said Batistatos.
For more information on the South Shore CVA or the Indiana Welcome Center, visit www.alongthesouthshore.com or call 219-989-7770.
