Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Marketing & Tourism Commission met March 4.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles, Kevin Yates, Jim Sniff, Don White, Denise Beattie, Ashley Hildebrant, Nancie Cassidy, Carie McIntyre, Sandi Levell, Jeannie Quick

MEMBERS ABSENT: Alderperson Trish Connor, Mayor Hughes, Gita Talati, Joe Harper, Patty Pierson, Kylie Milliken

Public Comment: - None

Purpose:

M & T Commission - Purpose

Director Beadles read the Commission Purpose and passed out reports to review for discussion.

Reports:

2023-2024 Budget

2024 Calendar of Events

2023-02 Message Center Update

February income was discussed. Don White updated the commission on the Judicial Committee working toward new rules for short term rentals that could positively impact the Hotel/Motel Tax fund. No updates were made to the Calendar of Events or Message Center reports.

2024-2025 Budget review

Director Beadles passed out 2024-2025 budget for final review. Discussion ensued. Consensus of the commission was to approve the budget as presented.

Visitors Guide update 2024

Director Beadles passed out the Tri-fold for each commission member to review and to suggest changes. Discussion ensued. Consensus of the commission was to update the visitor's tri-fold with suggestions made and to wait until after March 11th Council meeting before printing.

Organizations update, event marketing and tourism plans

PACVB - Ashleigh had the commission look at the Discover Peoria/Chillicothe landing page. Commission members were asked to review and send changes to Amanda and Amanda would gather changes, remove duplicates and send to Ashleigh.

Chamber - Don reported Chillicothe Chamber Days Carnival are June 12-15th, March 30th was the Easter Egg Hunt at Chillicothe City Park and followed by the Merchant Easter Egg Scavenger Hunt. Chamber reviewing HLC date to better serve the community. April 15th is the Chamber and City awards at the Public Library.

Historical Society - Absent. No report.

Chillicothe Park District – Kevin reported the Dueling Pianos event has sold out. Funding for the inclusive playground continues to move forward and the Park District Foundation will be presenting to OSF. The pool will open the 1st week in June. The pickleball courts are open and the post received 10k hits.

Three Sisters Park - Nancie reported the following events - Spring Makers market – April 13th, Drews Plots on April 20th and Spring Planting on the 25-27th

Blue Ridge Farm - Jim reported planning for 5 free fall concerts happening in late September through October on Sundays from 3-5pm. He is planning to demo the corn crib and repurpose the lumber for the stage. He is planning an inaugural extreme run in June at the farm. Field trips will start in the next couple of months and this is their 22 year. The field trips serve around 50 agencies supporting disabled individuals.

IVC - Director Beadles read Kylie's email Here are the upcoming March events for the District: 7th Mossville March 3-5 Spring Program; 14th-17th IVCHS Musical: BIG FISH at the IVCHS Auditorium; 25th-1st Spring Break. And reported the following Highlights:

• Both CJH and Mossville girls 7th grade volleyball teams advance to sectionals. They both play in their respective games tonight (March 4th).
• The IVC Educational Foundation hosted their Auction and Dinner on the 2nd. We had a great turnout and want to thank the sponsors and all of the people who donated.
• Spring Sports around the district kicked off last week. We are ready for baseball, softball, soccer, track, and lacrosse!
• IVCHS Scholastic Bowl JV team are the Peoria Area League Champions and the Varsity team won the Masonic Sectional Tournament. (Varsity will be competing in the IHSA regionals next).

Pearce Community Center - Carie reported the 3rd annual Triathlon was a success and continues to grow. Summer and P.O.W.E.R camps have launched. May 11th is the Beef & Bourbon fundraiser, Run for the Health of It 5k run and 1 mile walk is July 13th,

Chillicothe Players Theatre - March 22nd and 23rd are the auditions for the kids play "Shrek", April 11-13th Suicide incorporated, April 27th Die Laughing Murder Mystery at Barrack's Hospitality Group City of Chillicothe - The City has written for Support Letter for Hometown Consultants - Pursuing a marketing Grant for Henry, Lacon and Chillicothe to promote historic tourism; for the Chillicothe Library and for the Chillicothe Parks Foundation

Optimist Club - Jeannie reported she is president until October. Theya re gearing up for the May 11th Garage Sale and new events are coming. The club does not plan to have a Homerun festival this year.

Retail (Little Land of Candy | Cool Thingz)

Joe was not in attendance so Director Beadles read his update. Little Land of Candy N' More is having a huge sale this weekend to deplete existing inventory and make way for a new POS system that will also hold inventory. They are expecting 3 large trucks full of new inventory over the next few weeks. On the 2nd Saturday in March the Downtown Stores are doing a scavenger hunt looking for the pot of gold to win prizes from all the businesses.

Summary:

Economic Development Agenda Items: None Chairperson Actions: None

Meeting adjourned at 4:25 pm

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/03.04.24%20m%20&%20t%20minutes.pdf