Not many people would think of Peotone as a tourist destination, but Ed Nelson believes it could be.
He was one of the first at the new Holiday Inn Express checking out the facilities and posting pictures to Facebook.
He’s made it a point to check in at new businesses and frequently posts on social, all while promoting the restoration of the Mill, of which he is President of the Historical Society and has served as its president for approximately two years.
Dedicated to preserving the Mill and making it a tourist destination are just some of Nelson’s passions – one of which, he won an award for.
The Visit Chicago Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau held their annual meeting and awards luncheon on October 9, where Nelson was presented with a 2025 Award of Merit.
The Award of Merit is for extraordinary service and partnership in support of the tourism industry and Visit Chicago Southland. Nelson received his award, according to President Mary Patchin, for advocating to bring the community into Visit Chicago Southland’s hotel funding program. The program gives the Southland Convention and Visitors Bureau nearly 1 percent of Peotone’s 5 percent hotel tax for each room rented at the new Holiday Inn for promoting tourism in the area.
“His passion for and knowledge of local history have enriched both residents and visitors alike through his involvement in numerous area organizations – most notably as President of the Peotone Historical Society,” said Patchin. Nelson is also known around here as the “Save Millie” guy, promoting a campaign of funding to restore the H.A. Rathje Mill.
“I am truly honored with receiving this tourism award from Visit Chicago Southland. It makes me strive to work even harder in promoting the Peotone Mill and our town going forward and to also appreciate the meaningful connections I’ve made with so many people during this journey.
I’m also appreciative of the help and guidance I’ve received from Mary and Kim at Visit Chicago Southland and look forward to our continued friendship in the future,” said Nelson.
Peotone Mayor Chris Vieaux also was present at the awards luncheon to see Nelson receive his award. “It was fun to watch Ed Nelson’s reaction to receiving the Award of Merit from Visit Chicago Southland. The surprise on his face was priceless. Ed Nelson truly deserves this recognition for his hard work and dedication to the preservation of Peotone’s history, specifically the H.A. Rathje Mill, aka “Millie.” I am very proud of Ed for receiving this award,” Vieaux said.
During the luncheon, guest speaker Bill Geist spoke about tourism and how it’s been affected through the years. His message was one of optimism, despite setbacks like September 11, COVID, and the economy. Geist added that next year is looking to be the year, with the FIFA Cup coming to America and a renewed sense of patriotic tourism with America’s sesquicentennial in 2026.