Peoria Standard

City of Chillicothe Marketing & Tourism Commission met June 2.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles, Alderperson Tim White, Susan Bobbitt, Ashleigh Hildebrandt, Steve Bart, Denise Beattie, Kevin Yates, Carie McIntyre, Sandi Level, Mayor Hughes

MEMBERS ABSENT: Kylie Millikin, Jim Sniff, Joe Harper, Ginny Molleck, Charlie Rusk, Jeannie Quick

Public Comment:

None

Purpose:

M & T Commission - Purpose

Director Beadles welcomed Alderperson Tim White to the Commission and read the Commission Purpose.

Approve Previous Minutes

Director Beadles distributed the May meeting minutes and asked if there were any changes. Carie motioned to approve minutes with corrections, Sandi seconded, Motion carried.

Reports:

2025-2026 Budget

Director Beadles presented the April budget for the 2025-2026 fiscal year. She discussed income and expenses for the year. The 2025-2026 budget started May 1st. No consensus was needed.

2025 Calendar of Events

The commission reviewed the May Calendar of Events and events June-December. Additional event items were noted. Director Beadles to update events on City's website list. No consensus was needed.

2025 Message Center Update

Director Beadles presented the Message Center updates. No consensus was needed.

Invoice-Illinois River Road Scenic Byway

Director Beadles presented the Invoice for the Illinois River Road Scenic Byway. Discussion ensued. Denise made a motion to forward to the Economic Development Committee for approval, Sandi seconded and the motion carried.

Old business:

Sweet Corn Festival

Director Beadles reported 60 vendors to date. The committee is working with music groups and organizations to provide activities. She asked the commission members to contact her if they would like to take part in the event.

Peoria County - Bison-tennial art project

Director Beadles reported the City of Chillicothe Bison delivered. She discussed the Bison Trek project.

Top Things to do in Chillicothe by Month

Director Beadles reviewed this list with the commission and asked for the commission to review and provide changes or additions to her by Monday, June 9th. She stated that she and Ashleigh have yet to meet regarding videos for this project and that is on the list to do.

Organizations update, event marketing and tourism plans

PACVB - Ashleigh discussed the Discover Peoria marketing campaign. This included A Day in the Life of Harreld Webster of Triple Dipple on the Doorway to Discovery. The staff would be attending a 5-day convention and Illinois Department of Tourism would be bringing 25 international visitors to the Peoria.

Chamber - Ginny was absent. Carie reported Chillicothe Days was coming June 18-21. The committee focus was to increase Miss Chillicothe signups. The winner would receive a $1,000 scholarship.

Historical Society - Steve reported that the Historical Society is working with IDOT to get the requirements for a digital sign and the Plaster reliefs are ready to be moved to the city.

Chillicothe Park District - Kevin stated the Pool was open. In three days more than 1,000 people have attended. The next event raising money for the Chillicothe Park District Foundation is Party in the Park happening from 4-7pm in City Park. This is a collaboration with Molly's, Nat's and Gilmores. 2 bands will be playing, lots of kid's activities and a Neon Glo Bike ride from City Park to Shore Acres and back will take place.

Three Sisters Park - Susan stated the Disc golf tournament Summer Champ went well. The park would begin Monday leagues. On the 4th of July there would be a Yankee Doodle doubles tournament, at the fireworks there would be food carts, desserts and music. On July 11-13th the Land of Lincoln Border Collies. Susan stated it is official. Summer Camp would be back for 2026.

Blue Ridge Farm - Absent. Director Beadles reported the field trips started on the farm today and would continue through November. The Fall Concert Series is almost completed.

IVC-Absent. No report as school is out. Kevin reported the Baseball lost in sectionals. He also reported September 20th is the Grey Ghost Marching Band Festival. 20-40 schools compete. This is a large event with nearly 3,000 expected to attend. Restaurants and businesses need to be notified.

Pearce Community Center - Carie reported July 12 is Run for the Health of It and the 35th year anniversary

celebration.

Chillicothe Players Theatre - Denise reported the kids show Dare to Dream is June 19-21st. One Flew Over the Coocoos nest was August 21-24th at Shore Acres Clubhouse. A new event August 9th is the Murder Mystery Walk taking place in Historic Downtown. November 13-15 is the Chillicothe Players Every Christmas Story ever told and Then Some taking pace at Shore Acres.

City of Chillicothe - Director Beadles reported on the following:

• Future presenters Illinois River Road Scenic Byway and Advanced Media Peoria Radio (AMP)

• First Tuesday Business Connection is June 3rd at 7:30am in City Hall

• Tourism Opportunities:

o Peoria County's Bison Trek

o Library Road Trip

Optimist Club - Absent. No report.

Retail (Cool Thingz) - Sandi reported Historic Downtown foot traffic picking up since Sweet Finds has moved back to 2nd Street. She also reported that the Threadz building is being updated and is looking good. She did not know when the re-opening of that store would take place.

Summary:

Economic Development Committee Agenda Items:

• Invoice-Illinois River Road Scenic Byway

Chairperson Actions: None

Meeting adjourned at 4:32pm

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