City of Chillicothe Marketing & Tourism Commission met Feb. 2.
Here are the minutes provided by the commission:
MEMBERS PRESENT: Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles, Mayor Hughes, Steve Bart, Carie McIntyre, Susan Bobbitt, Kevin Yates, Ginny Molleck, Dawn Childers, Jeannie Quick, Denise Beattie
MEMBERS ABSENT: Charlie Rusk, Alderperson Sandi Level, Jim Sniff, Kylie Millikin, Joe Harper, Ashleigh Hildebrandt
Public Comment: None
Purpose:
M & T Commission – Purpose
Director Beadles read the Commission Purpose.
Reports:
2025-2026 Budget
Director Beadles reported on the January budget. She stated income was $98.73 from the holiday mugs. Promotion expenses were $230 to the Chillicothe Hometown Voice for the 2nd Saturday ad. Promotion budget at 60%. Donation expenses were $1,000 to Three Sisters Park. Donation budget at 78%.
2026 Calendar of Events
Director Beadles presented the 2026 Calendar of Events. The commission reviewed the events and suggested updates. Some commission members stated they would email Director Beadles their calendar of events.
2026-2027 Budget
Director Beadles presented the draft 2026-2027. She stated that she had a meeting with Chairperson Levell regarding donation criteria and the Entertainment/Amusement fee topic. The Entertainment/Amusement Fee was an agenda item for the January Economic Development Committee and is being requested to be added to the February Finance Committee for discussion.
2026 Calendar of Events-Tourism
Director Beadles presented the Calendar of Events highlighting events with overnight stays, events to develop for overnight stays and events anticipating overnight stays. Director Beadles will email the commission the document. Discussion ensued. The Commission asked Director Beadles to research how many Hotel Rooms are available and report back to commission.
Old business:
River Beach Drive Flyer Review – Nothing new to report
Energy Transition Grant-Marketing Projects – Projects will begin with new budget.
Top Things to do in Chillicothe by Month
Director Beadles reported she and Ashley met via zoom. Ashley submitted itineraries and Amanda discussed unique marketing posts geared toward tourism. Ashley will submit ideas that fall within the current contract and extended options with costs associated.
Organizations update, event marketing and tourism plans:
PACVB – Absent, no report.
Chamber – Ginny reported the Chocolate Tour taking place February 17th. 20 businesses are participating. 125 tickets available. Tickets are $20. Tickets sold at Becks, Gilmores, Chamber and City Hall.
Historical Society – Steve reported the Historical Society is on winter break. Both Main Museum and Depot will re-open in March. Membership is renewed in January. He shared the Historical Society presentation would be this coming Wednesday at 6:30pm on the History of the Rock island Depot.
Chillicothe Park District – Kevin reported plenty of activities at the Park District including Bus trips and puzzle competitions. He announced a new campaign called “Eat here, Play here”. For those eating at the local restaurants prior to attending a Park District event if they bring in their receipt they would be placed in a drawing for $50.00. This would run February through June. He announced exclusive sponsorships for River & Rails.
Three Sisters Park – Susan reported the Henry Duck Decoy taking place Sunday, February 8th. A private event for Massey Collectors was an upcoming 2-day event. In April every weekend has an event.
Blue Ridge Farm – Absent, no report.
IVC – Absent, no report.
Pearce Community Center – Carie reported March 12 Senior Wellness Fair and a Meet the Trainers event on February 11th. Plans are under way for the Summer Camp kids program.
Chillicothe Players Theatre – Denise reported the January 17th Awards Banquet went well, the organization is now in rehearsal for Baskerville with performance March 12- 15th, 2026. A Players Theatre fundraiser is on February 4th at Molly’s. The money collected goes for scholarships. The Players Theatre are tentative planning to have August and November shows at the Town Performance Theatre.
City of Chillicothe – Amanda reported the Eagle Watch Breakfast would be held at Shore Acres on February 14th from 7:30am-10:30pm
Optimist Club – Jeannie reported their Christmas Bonanza was a huge hit. Their next event would be the bake sale.
Retail (Looking 4 Treasure) – Dawn reported – The weekends have been busy. She had 10-12 new people shopping. She asked how they found out about her store they sourced Google.
Summary:
Economic Development Committee Agenda Items: None
Chairperson – Actions: None
Meeting adjourned at 4:29pm
https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/2.2.2025%20m%20and%20t.pdf?t=202602101405510&t=202602101405510
