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.

Her tourism experience is not limited to the Elgin CVB, however. She spent 10 years with Hyatt Hotels and Resorts in various positions, including catering manager at the Hyatt Regency Chicago, associate director of sales at the Hyatt Regency Woodfield and director of sales and catering at the Hyatt Deerfield, where she obtained her meeting planner (CMP) certification. Bless also served as the director of sports marketing for the Greater Woodfield CVB, director of marketing for Northbrook Court Shopping Center, and most recently was president of the Northwest and Schaumburg Association of Commerce.

“Coming back to the tourism industry was the easiest decision I’ve ever made,” Bless noted. “We have such an incredible group of people who are so committed to driving tourism in Illinois. Best yet, they’re always willing to extend a helping hand!”

Bless graduated from Illinois Wesleyan University in Bloomington where she majored in business management. She currently resides in north suburban Barrington with her husband of 17 years, Tony, who owns an insurance agency, and their 9-month-old Maltese puppy, appropriately named Wrigley to match her borderline obsession with the Chicago Cubs.

She also enjoys traveling, reading, relaxing at the beach, cooking for friends and family and going on “date nights” with her husband. Their next big travel adventure will be a trip to Italy. A lifelong Chicagoland resident, Bless grew up in Addison and absolutely loves Illinois — cold winters and all.