Tourism 10-16-2026

The LaSalle County Board Tourism Committee met on October 16, 2026. It approved an amendment to the tourism budget adding a $100,000 Tourism Marketing Grant expenditure line (account 008000319003554) and corresponding revenue. The county’s $100,000 contribution will be matched by $100,000 from the state for a $200,000 campaign covering digital advertising placements through two ad vendors and video production through one vendor. The budget amendment was approved and sent to Finance; no vendor names were provided.

The committee also unanimously approved, by roll call, two contracts—one for the print brochure and one for digital media. Contract amounts and vendors were not stated. The brochure plan calls for 45,000 copies rather than 50,000, a redesigned format with a foldout map and business features, and smaller boxes for distribution. Members discussed the temporary closure of eight state visitor information centers and the anticipated reopening under a new state vendor contract. Tourism funding requests are due November 15. In response to a question about using hotel tax revenue to improve parks, the committee stated that state statute generally limits those funds to promoting lodging properties and overnight stays.