The devastation wrought by Hurricane Katrina is undeniably tragic, but it's heartening to see how the Illinois travel industry has reached out to support the victims. When the true scale of the disaster became evident, Gov. Blagojevich opened up the state to help accommodate vast numbers of evacuees. Through the leadership of the governor and DCEO Director Jack Lavin, we've partnered with the Red Cross to provide places to stay for many of those left without homes.

As many of you know, in early September we asked that our industry partners reach out to their area hotels to try and secure available rooms for the evacuees. The response was overwhelming. We were contacted by a tremendous number of properties throughout the state that offered to reserve blocks of rooms at discounted rates. We sent their information to the Red Cross, which has been handling the logistics of ensuring resources for the evacuees. The response has been so impressive that we've been informed that there are now enough rooms reserved to sustain those in need for the emergency's duration.

Many of you have expressed an interest in continuing to find ways to help. On our www.enjoyillinois.com homepage, we have placed links to organizations that are offering assistance of various kinds. Contact information is provided for the Red Cross, the Salvation Army, Habitat for Humanity and the Network for Good. We also feature a link to the Travel Industry Association of America, which has created a job bank to help workers displaced by Hurricane Katrina find new employment.

Shifting gears to our autumn marketing efforts, I am pleased to announce that Illinois' fifth season, Fall-O-Ween(SM), is well underway. The 2005 Fall-O-Ween guide is available for ordering either individually or as part of the travel kit. It contains fall articles and a calendar showcasing the many festivals and events going on throughout the state. Halloween at Navy Pier, the St. Charles Scarecrow Festival, the Centralia Fall Festival/Parade, Macomb's Haunted Dead Walk, and Maeystown Oktoberfest are just a few of the dozens of family fun opportunities included.

In honor of Gov. Blagojevich naming last month Illinois Wine Month, the Fall-O-Ween guide includes "Illinois Wine Country," an article highlighting the many wineries and vineyards statewide. And to highlight the state's beautiful scenic drives, the "Fall Color Cruises" article provides information on each drive as well as suggestions for attractions along the way. Travelers can plan their scenic drives to coincide with the state's fall colors through our annual Fall Colors Weekly Update on the www.enjoyillinois.com homepage. Every week, there will be a new update on fall foliage, and how and when different trees are changing in each of the state's seven regions.

Thanks again to all those who volunteered assistance on the hurricane relief and may you all have a happy Fall-O-Ween!

Sincerely,