Governor Rod Blagojevich recently presented a $43 billion budget for fiscal year 2006 (which runs from July 1, 2005 through June 30, 2006) which keeps tourism funding at fiscal year 2005 levels. The CNSCVB is pleased to see that the effort put forth by the Illinois Council of Convention and Visitors Bureaus (ICCVB) to educate the Governor and his staff about the importance of tourism to the economy has paid off! We also want to thank our legislators for their continued support. While this is just the beginning of the state budget process, it appears that tourism industry funding is safe. As some of you may recall, we were facing a 54% cut in funding from the state this same time last year. So, we are hopefully optimistic about the stability of our funding in the upcoming state budget.
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The Chicago Hilton and Towers will be host the 18th Annual Illinois Governor's Conference on Tourism, the state's leading educational forum for the tourism industry, takes place March 29-31. The theme for this year's conference - "Setting the Stage" - highlights the tourism programs set to launch throughout the state this summer. For more information, click here.
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The CNSCVB was glad to learn that Cook County Board President John Stroger announced that he was willing to forgo any new taxes on cook county restaurants and hotels. The CNSCVB along with its industry partners fought vigorously against the tax which would have had a negative impact on business in our area. In a related note, the Evanston restaurant community defeated a 1% tax hike proposed by city officials. Thanks to the Evanston Chamber of Commerce and the Evanston restaurant community in banding together and defeating this new tax.
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The Homestead in Evanston is proud to announce that it has been chosen as the recommended lodging provider for Northwestern University. The hotel's unique combination of guestrooms, as well as studio, one and two bedroom apartments, are the ideal accommodations for the University's short and long-term lodging needs. The Homestead and Northwestern University celebrated the arrangement during two Open House Receptions catered by Trio Atelier, The Homestead's on premise restaurant. "We are very excited to introduce The Homestead's unique style of hospitality to even more people," said Kelly Stepto, the hotel's Director of Marketing and Sales. "Being chosen as Northwestern's recommended lodging provider will certainly give us more opportunities to do so."
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On Thursday morning, February 24th, the CNSCVB hosted its first Business Exchange Breakfast which took place at the convention bureau offices. Fifteen people attended the networking event which was designed to allow CNSCVB partners to mingle with one another, share ideas and build business alliances in a smaller, more intimate setting. "We were very pleased with the positive response and the number of people who attended," said DeAnna Hogan, CNSCVB Sales Manager. "The feedback we received from our partners has been wonderful and we are looking forward to this month's networking lunch on Friday, March 18th at the CNSCVB offices. If you would like to attend, please email DeAnna Hogan at dhogan@cnscvb.com. The lunch takes place from 12:00 to 1:30 and will be a great opportunity to meet fellow partners.
Be sure to save these dates for upcoming CNSCVB Networking Events!
| Networking Lunch Friday |
Friday, March 18th |
12:00 to 1:30 p.m. |
| Business After Hours |
Thursday, April 21st |
5:00 to 7:00 p.m. |
| Business Exchange Breakfast |
Thursday, May 19th |
8:00 to 9:30 a.m. |
| Networking Lunch |
Thursday, June 23rd |
12:00 to 1:30 p.m. |
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The Mitchell Museum of the American Indian opens a new exhibit this month called "Winged Messengers: Birds in Native American Art." The exhibit, which runs through July 31, 2005, explores the many ways that birds are depicted in Native American art and the meaning behind those images. From Navajo "Tree of Life" weavings to Zuni inlay to Iroquois alabaster carvings, birds are an integral part of Native American imagery. To learn more, click here.
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The Chicago Botanic Garden is gearing up for the much-anticipated Sixth Annual Antiques & Garden Fair, which takes place from April 15th through the 17th. In a beautiful indoor garden setting, this Midwest "show of shows" for antique and garden lovers, offers a breath of spring air as more than 100 select dealers offer one-of-a-kind garden furniture and ornaments…an abundance of unique treasures for garden living! Throughout the show, various exhibitors will lead free "walks and talks" on such topics as what's current and hot in garden antiques, what to look for when purchasing garden antiques, and how to use them to create stylish indoor and outdoor settings.
New this year, the public can see an online preview of the show here, beginning at 5:00 p.m. on April 14th. The e-preview, which allows customers to catch a glimpse of the many items in the dealers' booths, remains open for two weeks after the Antiques & Garden Fair. For more information, please call the Chicago Botanic Garden at (847) 835-8326.
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Chicago's North Shore Convention and Visitors Bureau exhibited at the Religious Conference Management Association (RCMA) tradeshow in St. Louis last month and were very pleased with the results. Kimberly Wright, the Bureau's Director of Sales, reported that hundreds of meeting planners stopped by the booth, which resulted in 10 requests for proposals. This was a very productive show for the CNSCVB and Kimberly is hopeful that the many leads they received will translate into new business for the region. Kimberly was joined at the CNSCVB by Kathy Koestring from the Hotel Orrington. RCMA is an annual landmark conference, with an exceptional opportunity for suppliers of religious conferences to showcase their goods and services to key decision makers in the religious conference planning field.
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Founded in 1962, Skokie Valley Symphony Orchestra is composed mainly of volunteers whose love is performing music. This season they are joined by internationally renowned musicians and local up-and-coming artists. The 25th Annual Young Artists Competition takes place Saturday, April 16, 2005 at noon at Northeatestern Illinois University. For details, visit www.skokievalleysymphony.org. On May 15th the Symphony performs "A Chorus of Delights". Click here for performance details and ticket information.
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