CIB names THCC boardroom to honor its 30-year legacy

TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTWO/WAWV) — The meeting room at the Terre Haute Convention Center was officially named Monday morning during a ceremony hosted by the Vigo County Capital Improvement Board (CIB).

Chris Switzer, president of the CIB, said the “David Patterson Board Room” honors David Patterson’s outstanding contribution to the community.

“It’s humbling,” Patterson said as he was moved to tears. “Very humiliating,” he added.

A commemorative wall plaque was unveiled at the event and will be displayed outside the council chambers.

“I guess I’ll always be here in some sense,” Patterson said. “But it was thirty wonderful years. I really enjoyed this work.

Patterson served as executive director of the Terre Haute Convention and Tourism Bureau for 30 years. He has also served on the board of directors of the CIB since its creation in 2017.

Patterson has dedicated countless hours to improving the quality of life for residents. “I was always the guy who wished there were 8 days in a week,” Patterson said.

He capitalized on the region’s tourism opportunities.

“When I started, the first 15 years, they had never raised more than $262,000,” Patterson said. “And my last year we raised over 3 million. And that tells you not only the potential, but also what it brings,” he added.

Patterson also blazed a sporting trail in the region with 13 division one national cross country championships.

He said Special Olympics and cross country are still close to his heart.