I hope that you're all having a wonderful summer and have taken the opportunity to promote (and attend!) some of our high-profile summer events. From historic museum exhibits and massive sporting events to tasty festivals and exciting new Web sites, summer 2006 has certainly been memorable.

Summer began early this year with the spring openings of three celebrated museum exhibits. These included Mrs. President: From Martha to Laura at the Abraham Lincoln Presidential Library and Museum and Leonardo da Vinci: Man, Inventor, Genius at Chicago’s Museum of Science and Industry. Receiving the most publicity, of course, was the long-awaited return of King Tut to the Field Museum in Chicago. Tutankhamun and the Golden Age of the Pharaohs has been a highly acclaimed smash, having hosted more than a half million visitors since its opening. All three exhibits will remain open throughout the summer.

Illinois has been featured prominently on movie screens this summer. The success of the romantic comedy “The Break-Up” put many Chicago attractions in the spotlight. I recently had the opportunity to travel to London to tout the Illinois connections for another blockbuster, Pixar's computer-animated hit “Cars.” Much of “Cars” is set along our famed Route 66, which originates in and winds throughout the Land of Lincoln. On July 10 I attended a London screening along with 100 trade and industry partners to promote the movie’s Illinois ties to UK media. For more information on these and other Illinois movie connections, check out our new Web site, www.onscreenillinois.com.

Chicago was host to a number of amazing events this summer. The Taste of Chicago carried on our proud tradition of deep dish pizzas, giant turkey legs, great concerts and patriotic fireworks. Also in July, Chicago was host city for the 2006 Gay Games VII Sports and Cultural Festival. From its opening ceremony at Soldier Field to the closing at Wrigley Field, athletes from across the world competed for seven days in the spirit of inclusiveness and teamwork.

And there are more impressive summer events on the horizon. The Tall Ships Chicago Festival sails into the city Aug. 3 – 9, and the Illinois State Fair will entertain thousands in Springfield Aug. 11 – 20. Take advantage of the rest of summer and enjoy the many festivals and fairs happening throughout the state!

Sincerely,