text: The group began issuing $67.5 million in promissory notes in late 1960 to fund construction; the WFC later reduced the amount to $64 million (consisting of $40 million in notes plus $24 million from the city). At the time, the WFC's finance chairman predicted that the fair would earn over $200 million.  By the end of 1960, seven countries had agreed to sponsor exhibits. and one-third of the industrial pavilion sites had been leased. Moses announced in early 1961 that the Unisphere would be built as the fair's symbol, and the WFC also hired the Pinkerton agency to provide security and first-aid services. A report published that January indicated that the fair itself would cost $768 million, although much of the cost would be paid by individual exhibitors.
  Construction
  Exhibitors designed their own pavilions, and the construction contractors hired members of local labor unions to build the structures. Wagner predicted that 10,000 people would be employed during construction. The WFC hosted "preview days" where selected guests could view the construction. The Travelers Companies built information centers across the U.S. to promote the fair, and local chapters of the Elks, Kiwanis, and Rotary clubs promoted the fair nationwide. The WFC issued collectible bronze and silver medallions, manufactured by the Medallic Art Company. Commemorative postage stamps were issued to celebrate the fair, both in the U.S. and in other nations. Some New York license plates also had slogans advertising the fair. Several hotels were built nearby to accommodate fair visitors, and public transit and roads to the fair were also upgraded. The WFC opened an information office to answer visitors' questions. Private businesses promoted their products for the fair, and discounted tickets were also sold in advance of the opening.