Tourism Marketing InformationVol. 2 Issue 2 November 2016

The Chicago Southland

Convention & Visitors Bureau recognized its members, municipalities and organizations for their outstanding

service in the hospitality and tourism industries during Fiscal Year 2016. The awards were presented at the CVB’s Annual Meeting and Awards Luncheon Wednesday, October 5, 2016, at the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago - Alsip. CVB President / CEO Jim Garrett focused on the 30 year history of the Chicago

Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau. “Our 30 year history is truly remarkable,” said Jim Garrett. “We keep reaching for new highs and this past year a record 1.33 million room nights were sold while hotel revenues reach an all time high of $110 million.” The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau also unveiled a new destination video, showcasing the region’s highlights. To view the video, please visit Youtube.com/ChicagoSouthlandCVB. Keynote speaker Governor Bruce Rauner, spoke on the economic impact of tourism on the state and local levels. “The tourism industry is an essential part of our

economic growth and our economic prosperity,” Governor Rauner said. “We can generate more good quality jobs, more tax revenue and higher growth more quickly in the tourism and conventions industry than any other sector. We want to continue to grow a strong tourism industry right here in Illinois and I’m working hard every day to do just that. If we focus on making Illinois competitive and lay a solid foundation for economic growth and prosperity, Illinois’ future will once again be bright. I would also like to congratulate Jim and the CVB staff on the celebration of their 30 th anniversary."

Chicago Southland CVB Hosts Annual Meeting & Awards Luncheon

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“Our winners today understand the value of tourism as an economic driver in the Chicago Southland,” said Jim Garrett President / CEO for the Chicago Southland CVB. “Their efforts helped make this a

fantastic year in tourism, congratulations to them all.”

Jaclyn Bracha of the DoubleTree by

Hilton Chicago - Alsip

2016 Administrative Employee of the Year

Armando Alvarez of the Hilton Chicago / Oak Lawn &

Conference Center

2016 Food & Beverage Employee of the Year

Daniel Greene of the Comfort Suites - Lansing

2016 Guest Services Employee of the Year

PJ Ganjanaget of the Hilton Garden Inn - Tinley Park

2016 Maintenance Employee of the Year

Martha Ibarra of the Country Inn & Suites - Matteson

2016 Housekeeping Employee of the Year

Karen Seits of theHilton Garden Inn - Tinley Park

2016 Manager of the Year

Sue Giles of theAllgauer's Restaurant at

DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago - Alsip

2016 Restaurant FrontlineEmployee of the Year

Roberto Castillo of the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn

2016 Attraction Frontline Employee of the Year

Roy Witty of Andy's Frozen Custard

2016 Restaurant Manager of the Year

And the Winner Is ...

Angelia Martin of the Children's Museum in

Oak Lawn

2016 Attraction Manager of the Year

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The City of Oak Forest, Oak

Forest-Crestwood Area Chamber of Commerce and the Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau are thrilled to

announce the opening of Eagle Sports Range at 5900 West 159th Street in Oak Forest. “We are so pleased to welcome Eagle Sports Range to our community,” said Mayor Hank Kuspa. “It’s definitely going to be a destination for Oak Forest and the Chicago Southland overall.” The 30,000-square-foot facility includes climate-controlled indoor shooting bays (six long-range, 22 short-range), firearm and retail space, a training simulator, a viewing area, a full-service gunsmith shop,

and private member lounges. It also includes meeting rooms for conceal carry classes, safety seminars, instructional sport shooting, and self-defense training. “There’s really nothing like it in the area,” said Oak Forest Community Development Director Adam Dotson. “From the lobby to the ranges to the classrooms, the owners have paid attention to detail to ensure a safe, positive experience for seasoned and novice shooters alike.” “The Eagle Sports Range will be an important economic driver that will benefit the City of Oak Forest and the Chicago Southland,” said Jim Garrett, President / CEO for the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau. “We look forward to attracting marksmanship competitions that will lead to job creation and additional tax revenues.” The range is open seven days a week from 9 a.m. to 9 p.m. For more information or to learn about membership options, visit EagleSportsRange.com or call 708-535-3000.

Flossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery

Award of Merit

Jason BerryCity of Blue Island

Linda Morgan Awardfor Volunteerism

Village of Orland Park

Patricia Chase MagonMunicipal Leadership Award

Daniel Fitzgerald of the Tinley Park Convention Center

Senator Aldo DeAngelisLeadership Award

Aurelio's Pizza

Member of the Year

Eagle Sports Range Now Open

And the Winner Is ...Award of Merit

Chicago Gaelic ParkIrish Fest

ChicagoSouthland CSCVB

The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau wants to hear from you! Be sure to like, comment and share our posts. Be sure to follow our new meetings and sports LinkedIn Showcase pages and

remember to use the hashtag #ChicagoSouthland when posting content.

VisitSouthland VisitSouthlandChicagoSouthlandCVB

Be Sure to Check Out the Chicago Southland CVB on Social Media

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Upcoming TradeshowsThe sales staff will be promoting the Chicago

Southland as the premier meetings / group tour / sports destination for tourism and travel all across the country. Here is a snap shot of where they will be over

the next few months.

U.S. Sports Congress: Fort Myers, FLConnect DC: Washington, D.C.

American Bus Association: Cleveland, OHIllinois Society of Association Executives: Springfield, IL

Select Traveler: Ontario, CADiversity Summit: Las Vegas, NV

Religious Conference Management Association: Chicago, ILConnect Chicago: Chicago,IL

November 2016 - February 2017

Lights, Camera, Action… The Chicago Southland CVB has unveiled its latest destination video,

showcasing the region’s best in dining, attractions, festivals, events and things to see and do.

To view the video, please visit our YouTube channel at YouTube.com/ChicagoSouthlandCVB.

The KPMG Women’s PGA Championship comes to the historic Olympia Fields Country Club from

June 27th – July 2nd, 2017. The week long tournament will see the best women golfers vie for the prestigious championship.

For more information on volunteering, visit KPMGWomensPGAChampionship.com.

CSCVB Unveils New Destination Video

Women's PGA Tournament Looking for Volunteers

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Over the last few months, the marketing department for the CVB hosted travel writers they met at Travel

Media Showcase. Tours of the region included stops at Aurelio's Pizza, La Banque Hotel, Pullman National Monument, Historic Downtown Frankfort, Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park, Fat Rosie's and the Children's Museum in Oak Lawn.

Don’t fall into the winter blues just yet, the 2017 Fall / Winter Festivals & Events Guide is your

ticket to wonderland. The 2017 Fall / Winter Festivals & Events Guide offers joy with over 322 unique events to get you through even the weariest of winters.

For more information on the guide or to order your copy, please contact Bernice Scheive at 708-895-8200.

Travel Writers in the Chicago Southland

Good News Travels Fast!

Festivals & Events Guide Now Available!

Good News Travels recently hosted a familiarization tour through the Chicago Southland. The tour showcased the region to 28 tour operators who primarily deal in student travel. “It’s absolutely fantastic to have such a

wonderful group of operators see what the Chicago Southland has to offer,” said Jim Garrett, President / CEO for the Chicago Southland CVB. “The Chicago Southland is a great place for student travel that offers something for everyone.” The familiarization tour featured the following members: Thornton Quarry, Homewood Bat Co., Lotton Art Glass, the DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago - Alsip, Holiday Inn Express Crestwood, Buca di Beppo, Freedom Hall, Chuck's Southern Comforts Cafe, HITS Balmoral Park and the Chicago White Sox. “The tour operators marveled at the inventory we have in the Chicago Southland,” said Tobie Fitzpatrick, Tour and Travel Market Manager. “I believe everyone walked away planning a trip to our region.” The familiarization tour came about because of the National Tour Association tradeshow in New Orleans, January 18th, 2015. The tradeshow specializes in connecting destinations with tour operators from around the country.

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Frontline Training

Fivewest Chauffeur Corp17532 Duvan Drive

Tinley Park, IL708-515-5508

5-WC.com

InSites ChicagoP.O. Box 4537

Chicago, IL312-620-2446

InsitesChicago.com

Eagle Sports Range5900 West 159th Street

Oak Forest, IL708-535-3000

EagleSportsRange.com

Evil Horse Brewing Company1338 Main Street

Crete, IL708-304-2907

EvilHorseBrewing.com

HITS Balmoral Park, Inc.26435 South Dixie Highway

Crete, IL708-672-1414

HitsShows.com

Lotsa Luck Design4020 Grove AvenueWestern Springs, IL

708-997-8461LotsaLuckDesign.com

Recently the Chicago Southland CVB held a successful Frontline Training programs at the

Windgate by Wyndam Tinley Park. Since its inception, over 100 people have learned about the values of giving every customer the red carpet treatment of hospitality.

Stay tuned for the next Frontline Training Program.

Welcome to our New Members

Chicago Southland CVB Awards Grants

Southland Arts Municipalities Business Alliance (S.A.M.B.A.), received an $8,000 grant for its inaugural

project, “Let Them Eat Jazz” Festival; a 72-day collaboration located within six Chicago Southland

municipalities. Pictured left to right; Jim Garrett; Laura Shallow; Geoff Bates; Diana Cruz and Eugene Varnando.

Marcus Theatres4201 West 167th StreetCountry Club Hills, IL

708-365-1380MarcusTheatres.com

Country Club Hills Theater4200 West 183rd StreetCountry Club Hills, IL

708-798-2616CCHTheater.com

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Claude Gendreau was a recipient of the Regional Spirit Award from Daily Herald Business Ledger at

a banquet held Thursday, September, 15th at the Hilton Hotel Lisle/Naperville in Lisle. The award was given in honor of his commitment to the Chicago Southland with his renovations of Ravisloe Country Club and La Banque Hotel.

The Chicago Southland CVB recently attended the groundbreaking for Accelerate Indoor Speedway.

Opening in the Spring of 2017, Accelerate Indoor Speedway will offer a family-friendly atmosphere that includes go-karts that have a top speed of 50 miles-per-hour and a restaurant. “We are excited to have this opportunity for the Village of Mokena,” said Village President Frank Fleischer. “This will not only create new jobs but also help attract visitors and residents and we look forward to Accelerate Indoor Speedway becoming a true destination driver for the Chicago Southland.”

The Village of Country Club Hills recently opened the doors on a newly renovated movie theater.

“Marcus Theatres has turned this beloved theater into a true economic driver for Country Club Hills and the region,” said James Ford, Mayor of Country Club Hills. “This theater offers its patrons luxury with a wonderful restaurant, leather recliners and great atmosphere.”

Congratulations Claude Gendreau Get Your Motor Running

On August 13th dragons arrived at Fay’s Point for the first annual Chicago Southland Dragon

Boat Festival. Special Thanks to Aurelio’s Pizza for sponsoring a boat to ensure the success of this first time event.

Marcus Theatres Opens in Country Club Hills

Dragon Boats Arrive in Blue Island

Instagram Meet Up

On October 22nd, 2016, the Chicago Southland CVB hosted an Instagram Meetup that saw

nine influencers from around the region descend upon Nathan Manilow Sculpture Park. Since

the meetup, there have been 42 posts and 1,678 interactions detailing the day.

2304 173rd StreetLansing, IL 60438VisitChicagoSouthland.com

PRESORT STANDARDAUTO

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

LANSING, ILPERMIT NO. 170

Turn Two for Youth, a non-profit, charitable

organization created by two baseball families on a mission to facilitate the enjoyment and expansion globally of youth baseball and softball, partnered with the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau and collected over 1,700 pieces of baseball and softball equipment for impoverished youth.

What started as a grass roots effort in North Carolina is quickly spreading to communities throughout the United States and the Chicago Southland. Donated items were collected through June and July and were picked up from the Oaks Recreation and Fitness Center in Mokena on August 3rd. “It’s a great feeling to be involved in such a wonderful charitable drive,” said Jim Garrett, President / CEO for the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau.

“The Chicago Southland banded together to bring children from all over the world the gift of baseball and we are lucky to have had great partners like the Mokena Park District and Turn Two for Youth.” “We’re very excited that Turn Two for Youth was a part of Game Day USA’s events in Mokena, said Duane Smith, Recreation Supervisor for the Mokena Community Park District. “It’s nice to have an opportunity to give back to the community and provide equipment to impoverished children.”

Chicago Southland CVB Raises over 1,700 Equipment Donations