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Your monthly update from the Illinois Office of Tourism.
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Illinois Tourism Monthly - November 2019
 
Today, we are happy to welcome Karla Flannery as the new Deputy Director of Tourism. Karla comes to us with a wealth of marketing experience, most recently as the Global Marketing Director at Mondeléz International. We look forward to her expertise and leadership in this role. Karla can be reached at Karla.Flannery@Illinois.gov.

Governor JB Pritzker has extended the stay at home order through the end of May. Some restrictions have lightened, including the opening of select parks around the state. While this will provide people with an outlet to be outdoors, we encourage everyone to follow the guidelines for social distancing while out.


Next week is National Travel & Tourism Week, and while this year looks a little bit different, we'll still be using this as an opportunity to celebrate the "Spirit of Travel." Throughout  the week, we'll use our social channels to inspire future travel, from the great outdoors of southern Illinois to iconic road trips to experiencing the culinary and cultural scene around the state.

 
2020 Illinois Governor's Conference on Travel & Tourism in Rosemont
There's been a great response and participation in the All in Illinois campaign, and we are using that momentum to invite more people to join in.

The campaign has created opportunities to show support for others who are making a difference. During National Volunteer Week, the Governor called for photo and video submissions of people who are choosing to lend a helping hand, and then highlighted their efforts with a heartfelt video to thank them.

Now, the attention is turning to kids and the campaign will be inviting children to get involved and make a difference. Visit the
All In Illinois website to learn more about ways to get involved with this statewide initiative.

 
2020 Illinois Governor's Conference on Travel & Tourism in Rosemont

The Illinois Department of Commerce and Economic Opportunity continues to update their dedicated COVID-19 website with information and resources for businesses, residents and workers. With the passage of additional federal stimulus funding, the SBA resumed accepting Paycheck Protection Program applications on Monday, April 27th. An additional $310 billion in funding is available for loans to eligible entities to help small businesses and non-profits maintain their existing workforce and pay for expenses like rent, payroll, mortgage and utilities. Loans are subject to forgiveness for businesses that retain or rehire laid-off employees and maintain salary levels.
 
21c photo credit: https://www.21cmuseumhotels.com/chicago/#photosvideos

Our partners around the state continue to wow us with their creative ways to stay connected. Here are some highlights:

  • Rockford Area CVB made headlines with a virtual familiarization tour they hosted in April. To showcase some of the cultural and venue options around Rockford, they broadcasted from locations around the city to nearly 80 industry professionals via Zoom.

  • Galena is going to be featured in a May 6 episode of Ghost Hunters on the A&E channel.  


  • Everyone's favorite penguins from the Shedd Aquarium are back in the spotlight. First, they teamed up with the Governor to help demonstrate social distancing and hand washing guidelines. Now, they are helping Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot launch a new weekly series called "Stay Home. Hit Play," which will feature weekly kid-friendly content with insider looks at museums all around the city.


  • The Illinois State Museum announced a new initiative that asks Illinois residents to share stories that reflect their experience during the COVID-19 pandemic, for the benefit of future generations.

  • The Lewis & Clark National Historic Trail launched virtual content for National Parks Week, including a collection of coloring pages and a "Fridays with a Ranger" video series.

  • The Frank Lloyd Wright Trust has created a series of Wright-inspired lesson plans for kids of all age across a variety of subjects.

  • Evanston created a powerful video showcasing all the ways their community has come together to unite in the fight against COVID-19
 
2020 Illinois Governor's Conference on Travel & Tourism in Rosemont
We could not be more proud of the things that our Illinois Made Makers have been doing to support their communities. Wondering what you can do to help our makers? Spread the word. Share information about their business. Encourage people to support them now, or buy a gift card to support them later.

Rendleman Orchards, located in Alto-Pass, is starting a grassroots effort to highlight how farmers are continuing to provide a safe, secure food system for our communities, despite current challenges. The Farmers are My Kinda People campaign gives people the opportunity to thank farmers by buying a t-shirt. Proceeds will be donated to The American Farm Bureau Foundation.

Josh Becker, chocolatier at Cocoa Blue Chocolates, and Mark Wenzel (August Hill & ISC winemaker) are teaming up to offer a virtual wine and chocolate tasting on Saturday, May 2.

The baristas behind Conscious Cup Roasters in Crystal Lake have donated more than 1,200 cups of coffee to their local hometown healthcare heroes and are continuing their effort to pay it forward.

Are you a maker doing something unique with your business during this time? Please send us a note so we can help support you!

 
2020 Illinois Governor's Conference on Travel & Tourism in Rosemont
The U.S. Department of Homeland Security announced last week that the REAL ID compliance deadline will be extended by one year, to October 1, 2021. The U.S. Travel Association will remain in close communication with the Administration and lawmakers on this issue, including the chairmen and ranking members of relevant committees, to advance policy solutions that will help get America REAL ID ready.

 
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IOT and Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
The Official Industry Newsletter of the Illinois Office of Tourism
©2020 Illinois Department of Commerce & Economic Opportunity
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