Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Marketing & Tourism Commission met Jan. 6.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles, Kevin Yates, Jeannie Quick, Kylie Milliken, Ashley Hildebrant, Carie McIntyre, Denise Beattie, Joe Harper

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mayor Hughes, Gita Talati, Patty Pierson, Don White, Jim Sniff, Nancie Cassidy, Sandi Level, Alderperson Trish Connor

Public Comment:

None

Purpose:

M & T Commission - Purpose

Director Beadles read the Commission Purpose. She reported Don White had resigned from the Commission since he was no longer Chamber Board President.

Reports:

2024-2025 Budget

Director Beadles reported on the November and December budgets. November's income was $374.33 and expenses were $430. Operating budget was at 59%. December's income was $7,546.60. This included $5,567.76 from Hotel/Motel fees, $153.84 from Interest and $1,835 from Nikolausmarkt income.

2024 Calendar of Events

Director Beadles presented the calendar of events for January - February 2025. She also presented the 2024 Calendar of Events for year in review with 336 events. Discussion ensued. Commission members discussed the effects of the two events Brad Wallin Tournament ending and Summer Camp Music Festival being held in Peoria in 2025. The consensus of the commission was follow the Hotel/Motel revenue reports in May/June/July and to compare with previous years.

2024 Message Center Update

Director Beadles presented the Message Center messages for December and January. Commission reviewed. No consensus needed.

Tourism Strategic Plan Review

Director Beadles presented the Tourism Strategic Plan and updated commission. Discussion ensued. Each strategy was reviewed.

2025-2026 Budget

Director Beadles presented the 2025-2026 Marketing & Tourism Budget. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the commission was to forward to Economic Development Committee for approval.

Only in Your State - Nominate Businesses

Director Beadles discussed Only in Your State website and Facebook Page. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the commission was to forward nomination link to the Chamber to distribute to Chamber members to be used as a Chamber perk.

Organizations update, event marketing and tourism plans

PACVB – Ashley reported Discover Peoria was working on a new campaign. There is discussion of hosting a Fortnight festival in Peoria. She reported the Illinois Director of Tourism position is now vacant.

Chamber - Absent - No report

Historical Society - Absent - No report

Chillicothe Park District - Kevin passed out the Chillicothe Park Districts upcoming events for January and February. He anticipates 4-6 senior trips this year. He shared a new program called Senior Cinema Series to replace Senior Steppers during the winter.

Three Sisters Park - Absent - No report

Blue Ridge Farm - Absent - Director Beadles reported Blue Ridge Farm had winter projects working and Picket Fence is doing well. Jim and Laura thank the community for a good Christmas season and they will have thousands of new plants start arriving soon.

IVC Kylie reported school starts back tomorrow. The school is asking people in the District 321 to take the communications survey. She handed out flyers with the QR code on them.

Pearce Community Center - Carie reported 2025 is Pearce's 35th anniversary. There are many projects in the works to roll out this year for the celebration including the first 35 days of 2025 - no initiation fee.

Chillicothe Players Theatre - Denise shared the April performance would be "Harvey", June would be a kids show and August would be "A Coocoo's Nest". January 18th would be Awards Night.

City of Chillicothe - Director Beadles reported the following:

Nikolausmarkt was a success. Even had a stay at the Carnegie

Enjoy Illinois Magazine was presented and discussed. Director Beadles urged commission when posting photos to use the hashtag #enjoyillinois for a chance to be considered for the magazine. The magazine also featured the 7 national Scenic Byways including the Illinois River Road Scenic Byway in which Chillicothe is a member.

No Countdown to Christmas this year, instead the businesses created a Holiday Shop Hop. 21 businesses participated. The cost was $10 per business plus a donation to two gift basket prizes. Cranberry Creek hosted and stated it was a success.

Optimist Club - Jeannie said the club was adjusting to not having the Town Theatre. The Christmas Bonanza project was successful. The project received $2,500 worth of gift cards from businesses. Three prizes were drawn and given (2 $1,000 prize and 1 $500 prize).

Retail (Little Land of Candy | Cool Thingz) Joe reported his closing date was still in the works.

Sandi was absent - no report.

Summary:

Economic Development Committee Agenda Items

2025-2026 Marketing & Tourism Budget

Chairperson - Actions: None

Meeting adjourned at 5pm

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