Every month, ITN profiles a tourism industry leader whose success can be used as an example of how to develop fresh ideas to promote Illinois. This month we introduce Denene Wilmeth, executive director of the Decatur Convention and Visitors Bureau.

Denene Wilmeth has been executive director of the Decatur Area Convention and Visitors Bureau for 16 years, but has been with the bureau since 1981, previously serving as director of sales and associate director. During her tenure with the bureau, she’s never failed to demonstrate her knowledge, dedication and leadership.

Wilmeth’s involvement in her community and the tourism industry is varied and extensive. She serves on the board of directors of Looking For Lincoln, Future’s Charity Golf Tournament and Decatur Celebration. She has also served as president of the Illinois Council of Convention and Visitors Bureaus and has been a delegate for the White House Conference on Travel and Tourism, a candidate for State Representative of the 101st District and a committee chair on the Illinois State Board of Education, among many other accomplishments.

She is a strong believer in partnerships and attributes her many successes in the industry to choosing and partnering with multiple state and local agencies. One of Wilmeth’s biggest accomplishments was securing a 20-year biennial contract with the Farm Progress Show, the largest outdoor agricultural show in the U.S., which brings more than 150,000 people to Central Illinois to witness the full spectrum of agriculture during a three-day event. She attributes that success to forming relationships and partnerships within her community. The Farm Progress Show sells out hotels in Decatur and sells more than 7,000 room nights throughout Central Illinois.

Another of Wilmeth’s successful initiatives was the creation of the Tourism Attraction Committee for Decatur-area attractions. Designed to share information about upcoming exhibits and events, the committee encourages cross-promotion and creates joint efforts in the community to entice visitors. It recently held a Tourism Summit with the surrounding hotel associations and attractions to discuss mutual needs and the best ways to work with each other. Wilmeth’s secret to success is participation and utilizing available resources, noting “It’s a team effort.”

Wilmeth also believes strongly in keeping up with technology and will soon be introducing a new Decatur Convention and Visitors Bureau Web site. She understands the importance of evolving with the times.

Denene Wilmeth is a proud mother and grandmother. She originally had dreams of becoming a dancer, but luckily for Illinois, she chose tourism instead.