Deere Consolidates Moline Tourism Activities; Will Enhance John Deere Pavilion

MOLINE, Illinois .— Deere & Company said today it will consolidate its tourism activities in downtown Moline by enhancing the John Deere Pavilion with new exhibits and a more comprehensive focus. As part of the consolidation, Deere said it will close the John Deere Collectors Center building but will continue offering many of the popular activities geared to collectors and enthusiasts such as tractor displays and auctions.

“The goal is to provide visitors with one place to experience the global nature of John Deere and the company’s great history and heritage of advanced technologies and innovative products,” said Al Higley, manager of John Deere Branded Properties.

The Pavilion has been a strong success since it first opened in 1997 and became one of the leading tourism attractions in Illinois outside Chicago. Deere said visitors have shown a preference to gain a full understanding of the company’s history and future in one location. Enhancements will move the Pavilion’s focus from being solely agricultural to include Deere’s full range of products and services offered across the globe.

“Deere has a rich heritage that resounds with certain core values. This heritage provides the company with a distinct reputation and instills strong loyalty in customers,” Higley said. “By consolidating our Moline tourism activities, we will bring together the best of the programs based on our heritage with displays showing our current and future technologies at the John Deere Pavilion.”

Deere said enhancements will be phased in over time to ensure that operations at the Pavilion can continue without interruption. New interactive displays will be added and a broader range of equipment will be shown, possibly including concept vehicles.

Although the Collector’s Center building will close by the end of October after seven years of operation, many of the popular programs identified with the Center will remain as part of John Deere’s plan, including antique tractor displays and auction events.

“Today visitors come to Moline to learn not only about our leadership position in agriculture but also about the many other aspects of what makes Deere the successful enterprise it is today,” said Higley. “Whether it’s forestry, construction, lawn and turf care, landscaping, wind energy or precision irrigation, the John Deere Pavilion plans to help tell that story.”

The John Deere Branded Properties include the John Deere Pavilion, the John Deere Store and the John Deere Historic Site in Grand Detour, Illinois. For more information about these properties including the Collectors Center, visit www.JohnDeereAttractions.com.