Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Marketing & Tourism Commission met Feb. 3.

Here is the agenda provided by the commission:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles, Alderperson Trish Connor, Kevin Yates, Kylie Milliken, Denise Beattie, Joe Harper, Nancie Cassidy, Sandi Level

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mayor Hughes, Gita Talati, Patty Pierson, Jim Sniff, Carie McIntyre, Jeannie Quick, Ashley Hildebrant

Public Comment:

None

Purpose:

M & T Commission - Purpose

Director Beadles read the Commission Purpose.

Reports:

2024-2025 Budget - Director Beadles presented the January budget with income of $221.55 and expenses of $368.63. 2026 Bald Eagle Days was discussed to increase the size of the event over three days to attract more tourism. The commission requested adding a line item in the 2025-2026 budget to include money to promote Bald Eagle Days as well as the donation for the Eagle Watch Breakfast.

2025 Calendar of Events - The commission reviewed the Calendar of Events. Additional event items were noted. Joe Harper discussed Chocolate Tour and potential improvements. Director Beadles asked if he would email her the ideas so she could send to the Chamber.

2025 Message Center Update - The commission reviewed the Message Center. No changes were needed.

Discover Peoria Quarterly Report

Ashley was absent. Director Beadles handed out Discover Peoria's quarterly report and the commission reviewed.

Organizations update, event marketing and tourism plans:

PACVB - Ashley was absent.

Chamber - A new Chamber Commission member has yet to be appointed. Director Beadles provided an update on the upcoming Chillicothe Chocolate Tour, scheduled for February 8th. During the discussion, commission members voiced concerns about discrepancies between the posted open hours on the Chamber door and the actual operating hours.

Historical Society - Director Beadles updated the commission on the Historical Society's upcoming presentation, featuring a recorded discussion with George Hart and Hal Johnson as they reflect on their careers as doctors. The program has a runtime of 25 minutes.

Chillicothe Park District - Kevin reported the next Coffee at the Clubhouse would be February 12th at 10am. A bus has been purchased from Chillicothe Township. Upcoming programs are Yoga/Sound bath, senior cinema, puzzle palooza and senior trip to the Riverfront museum on February 19th. On March 15th the senior trip with be traveling to Aurora to see the musical "Waitress". Limit of 20 people. Line Dancing is taking off. The group meets each Thursday from 6:30-8:30pm. 

Three Sisters Park - Nancie reported the Henry Duck Decoy show would be at Three Sisters on February 9th

Blue Ridge Farm - Absent. Director Beadles reported Picket Fence is good, gearing up for Valentine's Day and busy planting thousands of plants. Blue Ridge Farm finalized fall concert series: September 14th, 21st, 28th and October 5th and 12th.

IVC - Kylie reported February as a busy month with 8 grade visits, winter activities ending and the completion of the SCOPE survey. District Jazz festival on the 19th with Grey Ghost Pride Night on the 26th (public welcome). District Distinguished Alumni Award recommendations are due February 14th (link on ivcschools.com website). March events are 8th IVC Educational Foundation Euchre Night 4pm (RSVP NEEDED knelson@ivcschools.com), 13th-15th IVC Musical (Bye Bye Birdie) 7pm, 21st-30th Spring Break

Pearce Community Center - Carie was absent.

Chillicothe Players Theatre - Denise reported Harvey would be running April 3-6th and a new

Murder Mystery event was being planned in conjunction with the Downtown Merchants in the 900- 1000 block in August.

City of Chillicothe - Director Beadles reported:

• Brian Fox Ellis has been awarded a grant to promote river history and ecology. He is working with the library, school and historical society to promote the Chillicothe river history

• Potential City App - Reviewing Savvy Citizen and GoGov apps

• Observation Tower information was sent to the state marketing agency Enjoy Illinois by Discover Peoria

Optimist Club - Jeannie was absent, no report.

Retail (Cool Thingz) – Sandi reported the businesses were busy getting ready for the Chocolate Tour.

Summary:

Economic Development Committee Agenda Items: None

Chairperson Actions: None

Meeting adjourned at 4:43pm

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/02.03.2025%20marketing%20and%20tourism.pdf