Peoria Standard

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

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles, Steve Bart, Kevin Yates, Denise Beattie, Carie McIntyre, Kylie Millikin, Jeannie Quick, Jim Sniff, Mayor Hughes and Alderperson Sandi Levell

MEMBERS ABSENT: Susan Bobbitt, Charlie Rusk, Dawn Childers, Ashleigh Hildebrandt, Joe Harper, Ginny Molleck

Purpose:

M & T Commission - Purpose

Director Beadles read the Commission Purpose.

Update member Changes

Director Beadles introduced new Commission member Sandi Levell as Alderperson for the Commission and Dawn Childers of Looking 4 Treasurers to fill Sandi's vacant seat.

Approve Previous Minutes

Director Beadles reminded the commission there was no meeting in September due to the holiday and asked if the commission members received the August meeting minutes. She asked if there were any changes. No changes were suggested. A motion was made by Kevin to approve the August meeting minutes, A second was made by Denise. Unanimously approved.

Reports:

2025-2026 Budget

Director Beadles reported the September budget. She discussed income of $1,219.82 ($142.61 interest and $1,077.21 The Carnegie Hotel/Motel taxes) and expenses to date with $780 for Promotions (51% to budget) Dues are at 100% budget and Donations at 54% budget.

2025 Calendar of Events

The commission reviewed the October calendar of events. Additional event items were noted. Director Beadles to update events on City's website calendar list. No consensus was needed. Kylie suggested for organizations to market using #ThingstodoinChillicothe and #DiscoverChillicothell

2025 Message Center Update

Director Beadles presented the Message Center for October. No consensus was needed.

River Beach Drive Flyer

Director Beadles presented the River Beach Drive Flyer. Discussion ensued. The consensus of the committee was to document changes and send to Kylie for updates.

Old business:

2025 Grey Ghost Classic Marching Band Sponsorship Video and Ad update

Director Beadles presented the Grey Ghost Classic Program ad and played the video. No consensus was needed.

Top Things to do in Chillicothe by Month - Nothing to report

Organizations update, event marketing and tourism plans

PACVB-Absent, no report.

Chamber - Absent, no report.

Historical Society - Reliefs from the depot have been removed and placed in City Hall. A stove pipe was added to the furnished caboose. The Train depot plans to be open Saturday, November 22 from 11-4pm for the Nikolausmarkt. The main museum is testing recorder devices as a way to share a 60- 90 second history of objects at the museum.

Chillicothe Park District - Kevin reported fall events are underway. Senior cinemas will be starting. The Park district is collaborating with a large multiday event at Three Sisters Park for a Family Day involving music and carnival rides.

Three Sisters Park - Absent, no report.

Blue Ridge Farm - Jim reported field trips at Blue ridge were continuing. They have had 600-700 kids. Sunday, October 12th is the last concert on the hill.

IVC - Kylie reported the German Exchange Students are visiting IVC. They have a tight schedule to not only attend classes but to visit St. Louis, Chicago and Springfield. She said that many of the students have been learning English language since kindergarten. District choir is Tuesday at 6:30pm at IVC. Marching band earned Grand Champions at the Spartan Classic in Romeoville on October 4, 2025. Shape your Future Week has 20 colleges represented and Military week is also coming up for students interested in the Military. They are 1⁄2 through 1st semester. Blood drive at the end of the month and a Fall Play.

Pearce Community Center - Carie reported October events are Spooktacular event on October 24th for young children and the Youth Dance on the 25th.

Chillicothe Players Theatre - Denise reported Friday, October 10th is the Vampire Ball at Grecian Gardens at 6pm. November 16th is Every Christmas Story ever told. Mean Girls is the next High School performance and the Great Gatsby is working.

City of Chillicothe - Director Beadles reported the following:

• 31,000 Facebook views for the Opening Day of Dunkin Donuts

• Peoria County 200th Celebration was this Saturday. The Chillicothe Bison was at the event as part of the bison herd.

• The City of Chillicothe has received notice of an IDOT grant for $935,000 for the 2nd portion of the Bike/Shared use path.

Marketing and Tourism

• Nikolausmarkt planning is in full swing for November 21st and 22nd. The 22nd coincides with the Santa Parade. The committee would like to partner and promote any business or organization who would like to create holiday activities or special events around that weekend.

• The Marketing & Tourism Commission is working on a Points of Interest flyer based on River Beach Drive through Moffitt Park. This would provide tourism activities along that route.

Optimist Club - Jeannie reported partnering with picket fence for a $750 local grant and they are working on a $2,000 matching grant. The district governor attended the installation of officers. The Christmas Bonanza fundraiser was upcoming as well as a toy drive and bake sale on the parade day.

Retail (Cool Thingz/Looking 4 Treasurers) - Sandi stated the foot traffic has picked up a bit in Historic Downtown businesses recently.

Summary:

Economic Development Committee Agenda Items: None

Chairperson - Actions: None

Meeting adjourned at 4:50pm

https://cms9files.revize.com/chillicothe/10.06.2025%20marketing%20and%20tourism.pdf?t=202510291445230&t=202510291445230