Carbondale Reporter

City of Chillicothe Marketing & Tourism Commission met Oct. 7.

Here are the minutes provided by the commission:

MEMBERS PRESENT: Economic Development Director Amanda Beadles, Alderperson Trish Connor, Kevin Yates, Don White, Jeannie Quick, Kylie Milliken, Joe Harper, Jim Sniff

MEMBERS ABSENT: Mayor Hughes, Gita Talati, Patty Pierson, Ashley Hildebrant, Denise Beattie, Nancie Cassidy, Sandi Level, Carie McIntyre

Public Comment:

Purpose:

M & T Commission - Purpose

Director Beadles read the Commission Purpose.

Reports:

2024-2025 Budget - Director Beadles reported YTD income as $13,354.81, Monthly Interest at $160.07, Promotion expenses at $230. There were no donation expenses for the month of September. She reported the Hotel/Motel Tax collection monies to date of $11,831.53. She stated the Q1 reports were due August 31st and one hotel/air B&B had not paid to date.

2024 Calendar of Events - Director Beadles shared the Calendar of Events. Commission reviewed and presented changes.

2024-07 Message Center Update - Commission reviewed the October message center list as approved by EDC. No changes were made.

Illinois Historic River Towns Itinerary

Director Beadles passed out hard copies of the itinerary as she had not received feedback from the email in July. She stated she received feedback from Chillicothe Park District. The committee reviewed and made changes.

Directional Signs Idea

Director Beadles presented an idea from Diane Colwell regarding directional signs. She presented the options and asked for committee feedback. One idea to work with IDOT to put Banners on Route 29 poles instead of signs. Consensus of the committee is to take to EDC for next year's budget. The committee also discussed the idea of an online mural Tour and cited Peoria as an example.

Scavenger Hunt Idea

Director Beadles presented an idea from Springfield marketing for an eagle scavenger hunt. Discussion ensued. Consensus of the committee is to bring up at Chamber Board meeting.

Organizations update, event marketing and tourism plans:

PACVB - Absent

Chamber - Don announced Merchant trick or treat on October 25. He stated the Santa Parade would happen on November 23rd and the them is Camouflage Christmas.

Historical Society - Diane Colwell reported the Chillicothe Historical Society is working on a design for a new sign at the 4th street museum. She stated maintenance people were needed to help with the main museum. She reported on a brick project to be worked on. She reported the depot painted and open through November.

Chillicothe Park District - Kevin reported

Three Sisters Park - Absent

Blue Ridge Farm – Jim reported the Fall Concert Series has finished with a large turnout of 700+ people at the last show. He reported this year they built an ADA section and a road down to the stage.

IVC - Homecoming just finished up. She spoke highly of the student council that put on homecoming.

Pearce Community Center - Absent

Chillicothe Players Theatre - Director Beadles reported for Denise the Murder Mystery fundraiser this Saturday at Grecian Gardens and the play "A Christmas Story" from November 7-10 at Shore Acres.

City of Chillicothe - GoGov is an agency that develops apps for municipalities. There are communities that use it as a communication tool and as a visitor's guide. She updated the committee regarding the plans for Nikolausmarkt scheduled for November 22 and 23rd.

Optimist Club - Jeannie reported the new board was installed on September 24th. She said they are meeting at Molly's on the 1st and 3rd Saturday of the Month. She announced two awards were given: Friend of Youth - Matt Chapman and Optimist Member of the Year - Terry Quick.

Retail (Little Land of Candy | Cool Thingz) - Absent Don White shared Mike Tobin is in the process of purchasing Little Land of Candy as part of redeveloping the Town Theatre into a Performance Theatre.

Summary:

Economic Development Agenda Items:

Directional Signs/Banners

Chairperson Actions: None

Meeting adjourned at 4:35pm

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