For the 18th year, travel industry professionals from around the state will gather at the annual Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism to advance the industry in Illinois and learn more about best practices and the latest trends and issues. It is with great enthusiasm that we approach the conference — as well as the busy spring/summer travel season — with an industry full of ideas and a state plump with new products.

Happily, Illinois’ travel and tourism industry is thriving. With nearly $23 billion in travel expenditures in 2003 (most recent numbers available), ours is an industry that makes a significant economic impact that benefits Illinois residents. Attending the annual Governor’s Conference is a way for travel professionals to further learn how to prosper and increase their economic impact in the state.

The success of the annual conference is a result of our ongoing partnership with Visit Illinois. By working with this federation of Illinois tourism organizations we’re able to maximize our conference budget through sponsorship, as well as reach its membership. Ours is a mutually beneficial partnership that lets us offer conference attendees the highest quality speakers and conference activities possible.

I hope each of you will attend the annual State of the State of Tourism Address on March 30th. DCEO Director Jack Lavin and I will once again highlight some of the many successes of the past year, as well as share our insight into the industry’s future here in Illinois and beyond. Continued >

Industry Insider: Kim Bless

To help you get to know who’s who in Illinois tourism, ITN profiles an industry leader each month. This month, we introduce Kim Bless, executive director of the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Kimberly Bless has been with the Elgin Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (CVB) since September 2003. As executive director, Bless oversees the tourism efforts for 14 communities in Chicagoland’s Northern Fox River Valley, including parts of Kane, McHenry, Cook and DuPage counties.

Since assuming the executive director’s position, Bless has made numerous advertising and marketing enhancements to promote the Elgin area as an overnight destination. Efforts include an improved Web site, www.northernfoxrivervalley.com, a new advertising campaign, a complete redesign of the 2005 visitors guide, and a new partnership program. A huge emphasis has been placed on stimulating the group travel business and promoting the wide variety of sports venues in the Elgin area. The region is one of the fastest growing in Illinois, so the challenge is always keeping ahead of the ever-evolving business climate and anticipating the community’s needs.

As part of her many responsibilities, Bless has taken on the role of chairing the 2005 Illinois Governor’s Conference on Tourism. “I’m honored to be involved in such an incredible event,” she said. “To be able to showcase the many people involved in the $23 billion industry, as well as promote fantastic learning opportunities for attendees, is something I’m excited about. And this year’s event promises to be extremely beneficial for all in attendance.”

In addition to chairing the conference, Bless serves on the board and executive committees of the Illinois Council of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and Visit Illinois, and is on the board of directors for the Elgin Area Chamber of Commerce, the Northwest Executive Club of Chicago, the Northern Illinois Tourism Development Office and Chicago Plus Regional Tourism Development Office. She received the 2001 Influential Women in Business Award and the 2002 Today’s Young Executives Award. Continued >