2009 Merchandise & Miscellaneous News Archives

Noel Neill Statue Design

June 12, 2009: Metropolis Committed to Noel Neill Statue Despite Economic Crisis

With the Superman Celebration taking place this weekend, many news media outlets published reports on the event. CNN posted an article on the Noel Neill statue. Here's an excerpt from that report...

    The town first came up with the idea of a companion statue for Superman in 2005. A lot has changed since then, primarily the economy.

    "We've been affected pretty heavily because most of our revenue comes from the casino," said Mayor Billy McDaniel. The Harrah's Casino is the closest thing this little burgh has to a tall building. "Their revenue has been down as much as 30 percent," noted McDaniel.

    And the Metropolis budget is not bulletproof either. The town has not been replacing some workers as they retire, because of the lower tax receipts.

    What about the prospects for Lois Lane? "If there's any money out there we're going to find it," said the mayor.

    Metropolis has agreed to foot half the statue's bill, if the Illinois Board of Tourism provides a matching grant. Private donations have raised only $9,000 in four years, not even enough to pay for the monument's base.

    "They were good initially, but slowed down to a trickle," said Clyde Wills with the Metropolis Chamber of Commerce. "We're committed to the project," despite the economy.

You can read the complete report at CNN.com.



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