Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Marketing & Tourism Commission met April 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles, Alderperson Trish Connor, Mayor Hughes, Kevin Yates, Kylie Milliken, Susan Bobbitt, Jim Sniff, Carie McIntyre, Ashleigh Hildebrandt, Sandi Level, Joe Harper

MEMBERS ABSENT: Gita Talati, Jeannie Quick, Denise Beattie, Patty Pierson

Public Comment:

None

Purpose:

M & T Commission - Purpose

Director Beadles read the Commission Purpose. Then she passed out the March meeting minutes and asked if there were any changes. No changes were needed.

The commission reviewed the March minutes and approved.

Reports:

2024-2025 Budget

Director Beadles presented the March budget expenses. She discussed the income from the hotel tax. During this discussion the commission asked if the hotel needs "x" amount of rooms to still be considered a hotel. Director Beadles stated she would ask the attorney. She discussed the $2,500 payment for the fiberglass bison for the Peoria County Bison-tennial has come out of the Promotions line item.

2025 Calendar of Events

The commission reviewed the Calendar of Events. Additional event items were noted. Commission members to email changes to Director Beadles.

2025 Message Center Update

Director Beadles would send the message center updates via email following the meeting.

Top Ten Things to do in Chillicothe List

Director Beadles presented the Top Ten list. Discussion ideas presented from commission: Create a Facebook or TikTok Reel, make a top 5 list for each month (example: May - Mother's Day, Graduation & Trails), promote top ten events, make 1 reel 30 seconds long. The consensus of the committee was to continue working on the Top Ten list.

Timi's Tours Itinerary

Director Beadles presented the Timi's Tours Itinerary. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to promote the Historic Tour and The Fall Maker's Market Tour. There was also talk of touring businesses such as FlexiSnake, offering Tours when the Town Performance Theatre opens and having live music during the tour.

Organizations update, event marketing and tourism plans:

PACVB - Ashley reported the quarterly report will come at the end of the month. They have a videographer on staff that could record a single location for the Top 10 things to do in Chillicothe.

Chamber - Ginny reported Coctails for a Cause was postponed until 2026. Meet the candidate's night at Pearce Community Center was well received. Chillcothe Days is June 18-21.

Historical Society - Absent, no report.

Chillicothe Park District - Kevin passed out a flyer for the upcoming monthly events for the Park District. He stated the Senior getaway tours are well attended. They are working on a Party in the Park event for Saturday, June 7th at City Park that would include Molly's/Gillmore's and Nat's Place and regional bands that have a large draw.

Three Sisters Park - Susan reported Saturday June 12 the Spring Loose event was taking place. This would include 9 bands and the event would run from 10am to midnight. The event would have two disc golf tournaments one in the day and one at night that would be a glow tournament. She reported April 19th would be the spring makers market run by Stephanie Lindley. She stated there is a need for adult volunteers at the Spring Maker's Market which runs April 21-24th for 6th grade field trips. The event has been running for 26 years.

Blue Ridge Farm - Jim reported Capital improvements have been taking place at Blue Ridge Farm. May 16th Still Shine would be playing at 3300 Willow Knolls. In the fall the 5 concerts would be September 14, 21st, 28th October 5 and 12th. All concerts are free and open to the public.

IVC - Kylie reported the Cystic Fibrosis walk-a-thon is April 27th. In the past the students raised 43,000. South School is holding a St. Jude week and accepting donations of loose change as April is the month of giving.

Pearce Community Center - Carie reported Wednesday, April 23rd is Pearce's 35th Anniversary. The event includes an open house with hors d'oeuvres and a proclamation ceremony.

Chillicothe Players Theatre - Absent. No report.

City of Chillicothe - Director Beadles reported - Peoria County Bison-tennial - The fiberglass bison will be delivered to ODG this week. Tri-fold visitors Guide - The 2025 Tri-Fold Visitors Guide has been received from ODG. Changes are needed. Short-term rental - The potential short-term rental to be added to hotel/motel taxes has backed out and is now selling property and Econo Lodge has new owners. Alderperson Trish Connor reported the 1st Annual Alumni mixer will be September 5 in City Park and they are expecting 200-500 people. There will be music on the stage. The Shademakers Committee is participating in the Egg Round up on April 19th and the Shademakers Girl Scouts 4135 will be planting flowers in Moffitt park on April 13th.

Optimist Club - Absent. No report.

Retail (Cool Thingz) - Sandy reported an increase in foot traffic and sales in the historic downtown area.

Summary:

Economic Development Committee Agenda Items: None

Chairperson Actions: None

Meeting adjourned at 5pm

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/04.07.2025%20marketing%20and%20tourism.pdf