Kankakee County Convention, Visitors Bureau (Visit KankakeeCounty) proposes a new two-year intergovernmental agreement to allow for continued promotion of Kankakee County as a tourist destination for years to come.
The Third Extension to an Intergovernmental Agreement for the Promotion of Tourism in Kankakee County is scheduled to expire on June 30. To continue marketing Kankakee County as a tourist destination, Visit Kankakee County is proposing a new Intergovernmental Agreement (IGA) that would take effect July 1 and terminate June 30, 2026. The IGA would be structured differently to consider changes to be adopted by Visit Kankakee County’s Board of Directors with respect to its membership and funding sources.
The organization’s operations are funded primarily through hotel tax revenues collected by Kankakee County. The board of directors is comprised of appointees from the county, five municipalities, two park districts, and two local business associations.
Moving ahead, the CVB proposes to:
- Make its membership available to county and municipal entities with more than 7,500 people.
- Contributing members will pay annual dues to Visit Kankakee County equal to $60,000, plus $5,000 for each hotel operating within their corporate boundaries.
- Each member would appoint a director to the board.
- Importantly, any source could pay these dues to the CVB. In turn, each member could keep all excess proceeds from a local hotel tax to use as they choose. The proposal was presented by Executive Director Nicole Gavin, during the board of directors meeting on February 21. The following directors attended the meeting – President Laurie Cyr – Village of Bourbonnais, Vice President Dave Baron – City of Kankakee, Secretary Jim Johanek – Kankakee County Chamber of Commerce, Treasurer Mayor Tim Nugent – Village of Manteno, Jamie Boyd – Village of Bradley, Lori Gadbois – Kankakee County, Amanda Martinez – Public Member, Michael Matthews – Kankakee Valley Park District, and Cherie Smolkovich – Bourbonnais Township Park District.
The directors will vote at the next board of directors meeting scheduled for Monday, March 18, at 3 p.m. A special meeting to amend the bylaws will immediately follow the board meeting.
“I believe we have a great plan that allows us to fully market all attractions, businesses, and experiences in Kankakee County. This plan was created assuming the Village of Bradley would follow through on its intent to not renew the IGA, but this proposed structure by no means excludes Bradley from being a member,” Gavin stated. “I am extremely optimistic the municipalities and county will participate. Tourism drives economic growth and has witnessed record-breaking figures this past fiscal year. I’d love for all communities to come together to continue this forward momentum.”
Board President Laurie Cyr said: “The Kankakee County Convention and Visitors Bureau will be able to continue to attract people to the region who are interested in exploring historical sites, enjoying outdoor activities, or indulging in local cuisine. Kankakee County has something to offer for years to come! This new intergovernmental agreement is a win for the entire community. “
Next steps include presenting this proposal at upcoming county, city council, and village board meetings for approval.