The Metropolitan Pier and Exposition Authority (MPEA) is a municipal corporation created by the Illinois General Assembly. Its Board is appointed by the Governor of Illinois and the Mayor of Chicago. MPEA owns and manages the McCormick Place complex and seeks to promote and operate conventions, fairs and expositions in the Chicago area, in an effort to strengthen the local economy. Historic Navy Pier, which has become Chicago's most popular visitor attraction, is also owned by MPEA. MPEA is active in the community and oversees a variety of programs that positively impact the thousands whose jobs are tied to McCormick Place, as well as the millions who visit the McCormick Square campus each year.