Since Longwoods International's "Halo Effect" study, we've been telling clients and audiences that "Tourism is the First Date for Economic Development."
That concept played out last week in an op-ed piece from the Mayor of Kankakee IL, the town of my youth and first DMO post. For the past 18 years, a contiguous "suburb" has played host to the Chicago Bears Football Club's annual Summer Training Camp. With sensational new facilities at Halas Hall, the Bears recently announced that, after over five decades of Summer Camp in Bourbonnais IL, Platteville WI and Rensselaer IN, they're headed home.
Of course, this move will put a dent into the region's July tourism business...but, I've not seen any shade thrown online, which is pretty classy from my first hometown.
Instead, check out this excerpt from the Mayor of Kankakee in the local newspaper's "Voice of the People:"
"During last summer’s camp, I met several developers who traveled to the area for a familiarization event hosted by the CVB in partnership with the Economic Alliance of Kankakee County. It was during this event that I met a developer who has since visited the city of Kankakee four times, has hosted the city’s team in Chicago, Racine and Milwaukee to view projects and who is returning to the area next month with interest in investing millions of dollars, not only in the city of Kankakee but, throughout Kankakee County. That was part of the magic of Chicago Bears Training Camp, but most importantly, the hard work of our CVB."
And, not unlike the hokey pokey, that's what it's all about.
So true Bill! The CVB in Kankakee County does an amazing job rolling out the red carpet for visitors social and corporate alike! They will continue to do great things in the future!
Posted by: Wendi | February 05, 2020 at 16:58