Jim Garrett, president/CEO for Visit Chicago Southland since 1996 is retiring on June 30. As president/CEO, Garrett has overseen the administrative, marketing and sales operation for Visit Chicago Southland (formerly Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau), with the objective to generate overnight hotel stays by promoting the Chicago Southland region as a viable location for meetings, conventions, trade shows, group tours, leisure, and sports events.
“It has been an honor and a privilege representing the Chicago Southland region for the past 28 years,” said Garrett. “I sincerely appreciate the continued and valued support I’ve received from the executive committee and board of directors for the trust they placed in me in leading the bureau.”
Garrett notified the Visit Chicago Southland Board of Directors during their quarterly board meeting on April 24.
“On behalf of the entire board of directors, we want to sincerely thank Jim for his 28 years of service and dedication in making Visit Chicago Southland not only one of the finest tourism organizations in the State of Illinois but in the nation,” said Visit Chicago Southland Board Chairman Richard Brink. “We wish Jim many years of enjoyment and travels as he begins his journey of retirement.”
Prior to Visit Chicago Southland, Garrett was: Executive director for the Cedar Rapids Convention and Visitors Bureau; vice president for the Wichita Convention and Visitors Bureau; and director of sales and marketing for the Little Rock Convention and Visitors Bureau.
During Garrett’s tenure, Visit Chicago Southland earned the 2024 Illinois Excellence in Tourism Award for Best Website by the Illinois Office of Tourism and received Diversity Inc.’s 2011 Community Spirit Award. Garrett individually received the Illinois State Soccer Association’s Presidential Award, Illinois Hotel and Lodging Association’s 2007 Ambassador of Hospitality Award, and Upper Midwest Convention and Visitor Bureau’s 2012 Individual Professionalism and Lifetime Achievement Award. Garrett also was recognized as one of the Chicago Southland’s Five Most Influential Leaders by Midwest Publishing – Elite Magazine.
Garrett earned several industry certifications from the World Tourism Management Center at Purdue University and is an accredited CDME – Certified Destination Management Executive, which is the tourism industry’s highest individual educational achievement. He also served on a myriad of committees and boards, including the President’s Advisory Board at Governors State University, the Executive Advisory Council at St. Xavier University, and the Executive Committee of the Illinois Council of Convention and Visitors Bureau.
“Most importantly, all the credit for Visit Chicago Southland successes goes to the incredible Visit Chicago Southland staff, who reflect the passion and professionalism of our organization. The past 28 years have been the best years of my life, and I am extremely proud of our many accomplishments. I can honestly say being president/CEO of Visit Chicago Southland has been the best job I have ever had and a true joy.”