Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau Tourism Marketing Information

Vol. 1 Issue 3 June 2015

Cal-Sag Trail Officially Opens 13-Mile Western Segment

Nearly one year after breaking ground, the completion of the 13-mile western portion of the Cal-Sag Trail was celebrated with a ribbon-cutting ceremony and relay race at Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens, Saturday, June 6th, 2015. The trail spans 26 miles from Route 83 in Lemont to the Burnham Greenway near the Indiana border; when completed in 2017, the trail turns an under-utilized and ignored riverfront into an inviting recreation area with scenic trails and riverfront accessibility available to everyone. “This is one of the most important health related projects developed in Illinois over the last 20 years. The trail enhances our quality of life, encouraging exercising and improving the health and well being for those that walk, jog and bike the Cal-Sag Trail,” said Steve Buchtel, Executive Director

of Trails for Illinois. “As this trail connects to other trail systems, that health impact is going to grow.” The ribbon cutting ceremony included speakers Congressman Dan Lipinski, Mayor Robert Straz of Palos Heights and Jim Garrett, President / CEO of the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau.“We encourage everyone to explore and experience this trail as a new Chicago Southland adventure,” said Jim Garrett. The relay race began at each end of the finished western portion of the trail and converged at Lake Katherine Nature Center & Botanic Gardens. The final legs of the relay were run by Congressman Dan Lipinski and the Patrick Mizwicki Strive for 5 Foundation’s family and friends. Patrick Mizwicki was fatally injured by a vehicle while crossing the Cal-Sag Trail on 104th Avenue while running with his high school cross-country

team in 2011. Since then, the Mizwicki’s have worked with Trails for Illinois to realign the crossing by 104th Avenue, from a 45 degree diagonal to a perpendicular cross-walk.“It means the world to us that the cross-walk was realigned,” said Joann Mizwicki, the mother of Patrick.“It truly is a gift to have people safe and still be able to enjoy the trail my son loved so much.” Eventually the Cal-Sag Trail will connect with the 100-mile loop and give the Chicago Southland unparalleled access to over 40,000 acres of forestry.

For more information on the Cal-Sag Trail, visit CalSagTrail.com

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La Banque Hotel Opens in Homewood

The La Banque Hotel wants you to say “Oui” to weekend getaways, corporate retreats and hosting meetings in the Chicago Southland. The La Banque Hotel in downtown Homewood opened its doors to the public on June 15th, 2015. Built in an old bank building and offering 18 luxurious rooms, a 24-hour fitness center and La Voûte , a French contemporary restaurant that specializes in farm to table cuisine, La Banque Hotel offers a Chicago experience, just beyond the city limits. La Banque (French for the bank) offers a French twist on a bank theme. The hotel features a vault, signed by J. Edgar Hoover and utilizes old safety deposit boxes for a feature wall behind the bar in La Voûte (French for The Vault). “This is an exciting time for the Chicago Southland,” said

Jim Garrett, President / CEO of the Chicago Southland CVB. “La Banque gives the Chicago Southland an inviting and unique hotel that not only embraces its customers but also rivals anything you might find in Chicago. With easier access to interstates, commuter rail lines and free parking, I encourage everyone to visit downtown Homewood and experience the added sparkle to our region.” La Banque, owned in conjunction with Ravisloe Country Club, presents a unique opportunity for meeting planners and leisure travelers to have access to a top-rated public Donald Ross Golf Course. “It’s been a long time coming… I hope this is the beginning, the basis for something new and exciting for Homewood,” said Claude Gendreau, owner of La Banque Hotel.

For more information, visit LaBanqueHotel.com

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David Hinderliter, President & CEO of the Chicago Southland Chamber of Commerce, poses for a picture with Jim Garrett,

President/CEO for the Chicago Southland CVB and Homewood Mayor Richard Hofeld.

On Wednesday May, 13th, the Chicago Southland CVB hosted its National Tourism Day Business After Hours Event. Those who attended enjoyed a night filled with great food and drinks, networking and a silent auction. Thank you to the following organizations for donating food / drink items for our event:

National Tourism Day

Alsip Chamber of CommerceBaymont Inn & Suites-Alsip

Baymont Inn & Suites-Calumet CityBlue Island Area Chamber of Commerce & Industry

Chucks Southern Comforts Café-BurbankComfort Suites/Sleep Inn Hotel-Lansing

DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago-AlsipFlossmoor Station Restaurant & Brewery

Granite City Food & Brewery-Orland ParkHarvest Room

Hilton Chicago/Oak Lawn & Conference Center

Holiday Inn Express Hotel & Suites-Chicago South-LansingHomewood Suites by Hilton Hotel/Elements Conference Center

HootersJ.J. Kelley’s

Just for Fun Entertainment ProductionsLansing Area Chamber of Commerce

Pickwick Society Tea Room, Gifts & AntiquesSouth Suburban College

Tinley Park Convention CenterVillage of Sauk Village

Brian Younker, Trustee Village of Tinley Park

Hugh O’Hara, Executive Director Will County Governmental League

New Chicago Southland CVB Board Members

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The 2015 U.S. Amateur Championship is still looking for volunteers. The cost is $75 and will include two logoed polos, a logoed hat, meal voucher and grounds pass for the week of the tournament. Held at Olympia Fields Country Club, the 2015 U.S. Amateur Championship brings its historic lineage to the Chicago Southland.

For more information, go to VisitChicagoSouthland.com/2015USAmateur

It’s Not too Late to Volunteer

Phil Masser of Riverdale Body Shop and John Watson, Director of Economic Development

for Village of South Holland celebrate National Tourism Day.

Lansing Mayor, Norman Abbot talks with Jim Garrett, President/CEO for the Chicago Southland CVB and Mokena Mayor, Frank Fleischer, during

National Tourism Day.

Richton Park Mayor Rich Reinbold, poses for a picture with Joan Murphy, Cook County

Commissioner and John Daly.

Hospitality ExpoComes to Tinley Park

We will be attending the Daily Herald Business Ledger’s 2nd

annual Chicago Southwest Hospitality Expo on Wednesday, July 22nd at the Tinley Park Convention Center from 3:00 - 7:30 pm. We encourage our hospitality partners to join us at the expo where there will be over 50 exhibitors from restaurants, hotels, country clubs and more!

For more information on exhibiting, call Chris Craven at 630-955-6161

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Thank You Ed ZabrockiAfter 31 years of service, Mayor Ed Zabrocki retires from Village of Tinley Park

After serving for over 20 years on the Chicago Southland CVB board of directors and being mayor of Tinley Park since 1981, Ed Zabrocki retired May, 30th. Dave Seaman, a village trustee since 1984 is taking over for Zabrocki. “It’s going to be an impossible act to follow,” said Seaman. During his tenure, Zabrocki saw the village through rapid growth, his vision to bring the Tinley Park Convention Center to the Chicago Southland started as forward thinking and became reality in 2000. His leadership and commitment to the village helped shape Tinley Park into the municipality it is today. “We at the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau sincerely appreciate everything Ed has done for not only Tinley Park but the Chicago Southland region,” said Jim Garrett, President / CEO for the Chicago Southland CVB.“We wish Ed and his family many good years ahead.” Zabrocki wasn’t just beloved by residents, mayors from other munici-palities in the Chicago Southland held him in the highest regards as well. “For over 30 years, Ed Zabrocki has been a great leader for Tinley Park, making Tinley Park a great community,” said Orland Park Mayor Dan McLaughlin. “His leadership on regional issues will be missed.”

Destinations that place a high priority on marketing theirbrands and amenities realize significantly greater employment and economic growth, well beyond the visitor economy, reports Destination Marketing Association International. Jim Garrett, President / CEO for the Chicago Southland CVB will be addressing this topic at the Chicago Southland Economic Development Corporation’s Summer Quarterly Forum. To register for the event, call Holly Campbell at 708-206-1155.

Friday, July 24th at 8:30 am Thorton Fractional South High School

18500 Burnham AvenueLansing, IL

Save the Date

Updated RailFan Brochure Now Available

The Chicago Southland CVB recently updated its popular Railfan Brochure. Featuring new highlights including Pullman National Monument and additional rail related things to see and do, the brochure puts railfanning in the Chicago Southland on the right track. With a multitude of railfan sights including double diamonds, Pullman National Monument and

one of the only places to see a double wye junction in the country, just minutes away from each other, it is easy to see why railfans love the Chicago Southland. If you are interested in receiving a guide, please call Bernice Scheive at 708-895-8200 or email Bernice@VisitChicagoSouthland.com. Railfan Brochures are distributed at our Visitors Information Center and various railfan sites. Additionally, brochures are sent in response to requests from ChicagoSouthlandRail.com and rail related ads.

Upcoming DatesMark Your Calendar!

Are you interested in knowing more about the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau? Come to an upcoming orientation held on the second Tuesday at 8:30 am at the Chicago Southland CVB office.

Upcoming CVBO Dates: August 11th, September 8th, October 13th,

November 10th, December 8th.

To RSVP, call Bernice Scheive at 708-895-8200 or email Bernice@VisitChicagoSouthland.com

Chicago Southland CVB Awards Grant

Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police, Midwest Security & Police Conference / Expo, Village of Tinley Park -

$6,329 – Pictured left to right; Jim Garrett, President / CEO for the Chicago Southland CVB, Ed Wojcicki, Executive Director for the Illinois Association of Chiefs of Police and Sally Schlesinger, CPA,

Executive Vice President for the Chicago Southland CVB

Frontline Training

The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau completed another successful Front Line Training! With 16 people attending in April at the Matteson Community Center in Matteson, the seminar aimed to educate frontline employees with information about the Chicago Southland and customer service tips. The next Front Line Training is Thursday, September 3rd at 8:30 a.m. at the Hilton Chicago / Oak Lawn & Conference Center. This free, two-hour seminar has limited availability and is worthwhile for both the experienced and new employees.

To RSVP, Call Diane Graves by August 27th at 708-895-8200 or email Diane@VisitChicagoSouthland.com

RAILFAN | 1

RAILFANC H I C A G O S O U T H L A N D R A I L . C O M

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Annual Meeting & Luncheon, October 7th

Hilton Chicago/Oak Lawn & Conference Center

Holiday Membership Reception, December 2nd

DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago-Alsip

Upcoming Trade Shows

The sales staff will be promoting the Chicago Southland as the premier meetings / group tour / sports destination for tourism and travel, at the following tradeshows in the next few months:

July 8th - 11th

Scottsdale, AZAugust 27th - 29th

Pittsburgh, PAAugust 27th - 29th

Pittsburgh, PA

August 28th - September 1st

Branson, MOOctober 5th - 8th

Shreveport, LASeptember 1st - 4th

Louisville, KY

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FY15 Economic Impact

The Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau is proud to announce that we are partnering again with Lunar Cow for the production of the 2016 Visitors Guide. Lunar Cow will be making its primary round of calls about advertising soon. The rates have been locked in and kept the same as 2015.

Advantages of advertising in the Visitors Guide include:

• Circulation for the entire year • Online reach of 270,000+ people • Online visitors guide ad will link to

your website

Visitors guides are distributed at:• Local hotels• Chicago Southland Visitor Information Center• Airports• State of Illinois Travel Information

Centers• Festivals and Events• Tradeshows• Regional Organizations• Other various locations

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Secure Your Spot Today in the 2016 Visitors Guide

For more information on advertising in the 2016 Visitors Guide, contact Kim Kislowski, Director of

Marketing at 708-895-8200 or email Kim@VisitChicagoSouthland.com.

Fordfly on the

ADVANCE ONLINE adult $70 Child $50(17 and under) walk up $75

For more information or to book your flightvisit

WWW.FLYTHEFORD.ORG • 1-877-952-5395

Hosted by EAA Chapter 260

Ford Tri-Motor 5at provided by

Lansing, Il • july 16-19, 2015 • lansing municipal airportFlights available Thurs 2-5 pm • Fri-sun 9 am-5pm

experience the golden age of aviation

Fly on the Ford

Soaring into Lansing Municipal Airport, July 16th – 19th, the Fly on the Ford event features rides on the historic Ford Tri-Motor 5-AT-B airplane. The immaculate 1928 Ford Tri-Motor will be touring the country offering an opportunity for passengers to experience flight aboard the world’s first mass-produced airliner. Stopping at Lansing Municipal Airport on the way to Oshkosh, Wisconsin for an aviation festival, this is a can’t miss opportunity for families and aviation enthusiasts alike. While at the Fly on the Ford event, we encourage you to check out the historic Ford Hangar and a veterans memorial with an aviation theme. Lansing Municipal Airport can trace its roots back to the early 20s.

For more information or to book your flight, visit FlyTheFord.org or call 877-952-5395.

Julie Panzella is the newest intern at the Chicago Southland Convention & Visitors Bureau. Studying Hospitality and Tourism Administration at Southern Illinois University at Carbondale, Panzella hopes to focus on event planning in the future. Panzella is assisting the marketing and sales departments with research projects. “What I have learned so far will more than prepare me for the tourism and hospitality industry,” said Panzella.

Meet the Chicago Southland CVB Intern

2304 173rd StreetLansing, IL 60438VisitChicagoSouthland.com

PRESORT STANDARDAUTO

U.S. POSTAGEPAID

LANSING, ILPERMIT NO. 170

The Chicago Southland CVB Welcomes New Members

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