The renaming of the Boston Convention & Exhibition Center (BCEC) after Mayor Thomas M. Menino tomorrow is not only a tremendous honor for Mayor Menino’s family, it is also a direct reflection on the residents of Boston who wanted to appropriately pay tribute to both the legacy and vision of our late former mayor.

Working collaboratively with city residents, South Boston elected officials, as well as city, state and federal officials Mayor Menino ensured that Boston and Massachusetts had an exceptional convention center for attendees to visit our wonderful city and explore its unique and diverse neighborhoods.

While guiding Boston through challenging times in our country, Mayor Menino’s public service also focused on prioritizing the long-term economic vitality of Boston.

His advocacy for a state-of-the-art convention center, to be able to compete with top destinations across the country, the continent, and the world, led to a period of unprecedented growth, tourism, and economic development in our city.

Since its opening in 2004, the convention center has welcomed over 10 million visitors, over 500,000 last year alone, while being the catalyst that paved the way for the transformation into the Seaport we see today.

As a teenager, I loved spending time working there as a popover boy at Anthony’s Pier 4, and later, as a young adult, helping to coordinate logistics for the arrival of U.S. Navy ships. I know that Mayor Menino shared the belief that the Seaport still reflects a city that values and respects our proud immigrant roots, commitment to hard work, and our diverse workforce.

Now, the Thomas Michael Menino Convention and Exhibition Center will link Boston’s proud past and shared values while continuing to welcome tourists and conventioneers from around the world. It is a fitting tribute to acknowledge his visionary leadership, his great love for Boston, and his ardent hope for its future to be the best city it could be in 2004, and the great city it still is today.

Thank you, Mayor Menino. You made Boston a better place for all of us.

City Councilor Ed Flynn represents Downtown, the Seaport, South Boston and South End.